USF Softball Advances to AAC Championship Game With 4-1 Victory Over Houston

Just one more win separates #24 USF Softball (44-13, 16-3) from their first American Athletic Conference Tournament championship as they topped Houston (27-29, 9-10) on Friday afternoon.

The game was dominated by unanimous AAC Pitcher of the Year Erica Nunn, who notched her tenth complete game of the season, striking out nine batters and only allowing three hits and an earned run in the process. Cougar batters couldn't get anything going until late in the game, as the Bulls ace retired thirteen consecutive batters from the first to sixth innings.

Meanwhile offensively, USF was able to capitalize after taking a 1-0 nothing lead in the second, second team All-AAC outfielder Astin Donovan proceeded to smack this RBI single into right field, driving in Cassidy Boyles to put the Bulls up 2-0, then dabbed as a celebration for her efforts.

Astin Donovan RBI gives @usfsoftball a 2-0 lead https://t.co/nEEA1hGiiu

— American Softball (@American_SBall) May 13, 2016

Later in the fifth solo homers from the all-time home-run queen Lee Ann Spivey and first-team All-AAC first baseman Lauren Evans would give the Bulls a 4-0 lead and effectively put the game out of reach.

The finals are now set as USF will face host team Tulsa (34-19, 9-9) on Saturday. This is Tulsa's second consecutive AAC Championship game appearance, losing to UCF last year in the finals 1-0. Ken Eriksen's squad swept the Golden Hurricane in their only series this year.

The game will be broadcast at noon on ESPN. (No, not ESPN 8: The Ocho, actual ESPN).