Feb. 5, 2000

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball team began the 2000 season with two dominating performances over Southern Utah. The Rebels swept the Thunderbirds 8-0 and 14-1 in the two game series.

In game one of the doubleheader, sophomore pitcher Nicole Truax (Henderson, Nev.) held the Thunderbirds scoreless and gave up only two hits before the mercy rule was implemented in the 5th inning. The Rebels scored three runs in the first inning that was initiated by a lead off base hit via senior outfielder Erica Vollweiler (Clovis, Calif.). Danielle Ferreira (La Crensenta, Calif.) singled and advanced Vollweiler to second. Vollweiler was called out after an attempt to overtake third. Charelle Ainslie (Melbourne, Australia) doubled and drove in Ferreira for the first RBI and run of the season. Junior Racheal Goodpaster (Fairs Oaks, Calif.) also doubled and scored Ainslie to make the count 2-0. Nicole Miller (Corona, Calif.) belted a base hit and Goodpaster advanced to third. Geney Orris hit into a double play but Goodpaster was able to score the third run of the inning before the final out. UNLV compiled four more runs in the 4th that was capped by three-run smash courtesy of Geney Orris (Brea, Calif.). That homerun marked the beginning of a career day for Orris as she tallied two more in game two.

Game two was also called in the 5th after the Rebels built a 14-1 lead on Southern Utah. UNLV posted a five-run first inning, five-run second, and a four-run third before the mercy rule was applied.

The Rebels will carry the momentum into next weekends Fiesta Bowl Softball Tournament in Tempe, Arizona. UNLV will face #21 Stanford and #13 Nebraska in the first round of the tournament and hope to produce the same amount of offense than in today's competition.

The next home game will be on February 17th when the Rebels will take on the Virginia Cavaliers. The first pitch will be thrown out at 12noon.