UNLV begins its second season as part of the Mountain West Conference. The softball conference is competitively making its mark on the national scene. The Rebels will make themselves known this season with a revamped roster consisting of six seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, and seven freshmen. Although seven players were lost to graduation, the lineup will benefit from the infusion of eight talented new recruits and the experience of a seasoned returning core, led by a talented and focused senior class.

The Rebels will be calling upon the power hitting of Racheal Goodpaster third baseman, Linda Garza, catcher, Debbie Hatch, first baseman, Melissa Inouye, utility player, Stephanee Italiano, and infielder, Marissa Martinez. The Rebels are setting their sights on finishing at the top of the conference.

BATTERY
The Rebels will go with a three pitcher rotation that will include returnees Geney Orris and Nicole Truax, as well as the addition of newcomer, Kasey Ellis. The Rebels will be looking at Truax and Orris' experience to ground the pitching staff.

"Orris will supply the power, Truax will bring an array of junk", said Coach McDonald.

The Battery will be anchored this season by returning senior catcher Debbie Hatch and junior college transfer, Samantha Kimura. Hatch has the versatility and leadership that makes her an essential part of the Rebel line-up. Kimura possesses strong catching skills highlighted by an outstanding arm, as well as having the potential to dominate at the plate.

INFIELD
The 2001 Rebel Infield will return seven experienced and dedicated players whom posses the ability to play various positions which provides the Rebels with a new and exciting look.

Scanning around the horn you will find senior Melissa Inouye receiving at first base. Inouye will provide strong leadership and depth in her role as the starting first baseman.

The Rebel's middle infield possess the qualities of quickness and sure gloves. Second base this season will be occupied by junior Arica Painter and senior Marissa Martinez. Both have the consistency that is demanded at second base. Painter, an extremely quick player, has one of the best gloves on the team and will be a strong defensive player this season. Continuing to be a presence and threat at the plate, Martinez will add experience and hard work at the second base slot.

The shortstop position will be filled by 2000 All-American Racheal Goopaster. Entering into her fourth year as the starting shortstop for the Rebels, Goodpaster will be looked upon for her outstanding play and focus on the field. Goodpaster will be a potent threat in the Rebel's offensive line-up, as she returns off a record-setting year. Sophomore, Donna Escobar will fill the utility role in the middle infield. Escobar is a versatile and hark worker, which makes her an important part of the Rebel energy and chemistry.

The hot corner, third base, will be defended by one of the toughest players on the team, senior Linda Garza. Garza's passion and dedication to the game is conveyed to her teammates through her actions on and off the field. Garza will be asked to defend an action-filled position as well as swinging an aggressive bat for the Rebels. Senior Stephanee Italiano will add depth to the position and poser to the offense. Italiano is coming off an injury, plagued season and is expected to provide impact and versatility to the 2001 team.

OUTFIELD
The 2001 season creates a complete turnover in the Rebel outfield. Six skilled freshmen with exceptional grit, speed and determination will replace the four senior outfielders lost to graduation. Carrie Bayless specializes at center/left and brings speed, hard work and an outstanding attitude to the outfield. Lisa Moses, a feisty and competitive player who bats left and throws right, will benefit the team with her determined hard play. Shawna Goessling will add depth and speed to the field, while Bridgette Byrne is another freshman to watch with her hard work, sure glove and is the fastest player on the team. Wendy Godwin will also see time in the outfield as well as Bianca Gonzales. With such talent, the outfield will be as solid as ever.

SCHEDULE
The 2001 schedule features an array of solid teams from around the country whose quality will provide UNLV with added national exposure. The season begins February 6, 2001, with the home opener against St. Mary's. The Fiesta Bowl Classic at Arizona State picks up immediately, February 9-11, followed by the annual UNLV Classic (Feb. 16-18), and the UNLV Tri-Tourney (Feb. 23-25). After facing Southern Utah, the Rebels will participate in the UCLA Tournament, March 2-4, in Los Angeles. After a date with Cal Poly, UNLV will enter the KIA Klassic in Fullerton, Calif. from March 14-18. Non-conference play winds up with a match against the Thunderbirds of Southern Utah on March 27.

As March comes to a close, conference play begins on the 31st with a home game against San Diego State. The Rebels will dip out of conference one last time to face Cal Riverside on April 3. Throughout the rest of April and May the Rebels will face some tough competition as they battle for the conference championship against Utah, BYU, Colorado State, New Mexico and San Diego State. The season concludes with the Conference Tournament held in Albuquerque, N.M. from May 10-12. Although the competition appears to be keen, the Rebels will come at it with the kind of heart, commitment and desire needed for a successful 2001 season.