KNOXVILLE (WVLT) -- Jessica Spigner has decided to leave the Lady Vols softball program, UT has confirmed to the Sports Overtime team.

“The move was in the best interest of both parties,’’ co-head coach Ralph Weekly told GoVolsXtra.com. “I appreciate her contributions and wish her well in the future.’’

Spigner, a third baseman, batted .325 last season and hit a team-leading 16 home runs. Her .714 slugging percentage was also tops on the team. She was expected to be a key senior leader for the Lady Vols next season.
University of Tennessee junior Jessica Spigner will not return to the Lady Vol softball program for her final season of eligibility, Co-Head Coach Ralph Weekly announced on Thursday.

“The move was in the best interest of both parties,’’ Ralph Weekly said. “I appreciate her contributions and wish her well in the future.’’

The Santa Clarita, Calif., native hit .325 overall in 57 appearances during UT’s 49-12 campaign, blasting a team-best 16 HR’s to go along with 12 doubles and 53 RBIs.

Spigner completes her stay at Rocky Top with a .332 career batting average over 176 total contests and ranks second in UT history in both HR’s (38) and slugging percentage (.644), sixth in total RBIs (159) and tied for ninth in doubles (40).