Feb. 10, 2001

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The UNLV softball team dropped its first two games in the ASU Fiesta Bowl Classic Friday, losing to Umass, 6-0 and Nebraska, 3-0, leveling the Rebels' record at 2-2 on the season.

In the first game, UNLV started freshman Kacey Ellis on the mound. Ellis, who started her first collegiate game, looked good in the early innings. However, in the third inning, the Minutewomen scored four times to take the lead. Junior Nicole Truax came in relief of Ellis and went the rest of the way for the Rebels. UNLV just didn't have the hot bat in the first game of the tournament only getting six hits and leaving 11 batters on base. The Minutewomen added two more runs to take the 6-0 win.

In the second game of the day, the Rebels battled No. 12 Nebraska who earlier in the day lost a 2-1 decision in eight innings to No. 18 South Carolina. This time, Nebraska had the freshman pitcher on the mound. Peaches James pitched a two-hit shutout in her first collegiate start, giving the Huskers their first win of the season. The Rebels got a good day on the mound from junior Geney Orris who went the distance allowing five hits, three runs and had five strikeouts.

The Rebels will be in action tomorrow against No. 24 Texas at 11:30 a.m. and Missouri at 3:30 p.m.