Feb. 16, 2001

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Softball team hosted the 2001 edition of the UNLV Softball Classic at Desert Breeze on Friday. UNLV kicked off the tournament with a game against Wisconsin at 10:00 a.m. The Rebels sent freshman Kacey Ellis to the mound in her third appearance as a college player.

Ellis didn't disappoint the home crowd. She pitched seven strong innings allowing only six hits, no runs and three strike outs. The lone Rebel run came in the second inning on a base hit by first baseman Melissa Inouye, scoring Linda Garza from second base. The Rebels improved to 5-3 on the season, while Wisconsin dropped to 3-3.

The second game of the day for the Rebels featured Central Michigan. UNLV opened the scoring in the top of the first with two runs. Junior Samantha Kimura singled, scoring freshman Lisa Moses from second and junior Geney Orris also singled later in the inning, scoring Racheal Goodpaster from second for the early 2-0 lead. The Chippewas scored four runs in the bottom of the second as MCW Pitcher of the Week, Nicole Truax got into a jam with the bases loaded, taking a 4-2 lead. In the third inning, the Rebels scored two more run to tie the game. Third baseman, Linda Garza hit a double to the fence, scoring Goodpaster from second and Orris from first.

Central Michigan (1-0) added two more runs in the 4th to take a 6-4 lead. The Rebels fall to 5-4 after the first day of the tournament. Saturday, UNLV will face Kansas (5-3) at 3:00 and No. 7 California (4-0) at 5:30.