FULLERTON, Calif. - The UNLV women's soccer team kicked off the 2000 season with a 3-1 victory at Cal State Fullerton on Friday night.

The Rebels took an early lead when sophomore Cosette Joffs (Henderson/Green Valley) converted a pass by freshman Kelly Oshay (Claremont, Calif./St. Lucy's Priory) at the 12:34 mark.

After the Titans tied the match at one, junior Janae Sims (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./St. Lucy's Priory) gave the Rebels a 2-1 lead at halftime, scoring with 15 minutes left in the first period. After battling through most of the second half with a 2-1 edge, junior Anita Pedford (Ontario, Calif./Ontario) drilled the insurance goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

The win was the first in the career of Dan Abdalla, who took the reins of the women's soccer program earlier this year. The victory also marks the second straight year that UNLV has won its opener.

The Rebels next match will Sunday at 12:00 where they will visit Loyola Marymount.