May 10, 2001

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The UNLV softball team dropped its first game in the 2001 Mountain West Conference Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico 4-0 to San Diego State. The Rebels fall to 26-29 on the year, while the Aztecs improve to 35-23.

The Rebels led off the game as the visiting team, going three up three down in the first. San Diego State followed suit in the bottom of the inning. It wasn't until the bottom of the second that the Aztecs provided some offense and scored three runs on three hits. Two of the runs came on a throwing error by the Rebels. After the inning, the Aztecs led 3-0.

San Diego State added another run in the third inning on a run-scoring single by Sarah Hershman. The Aztecs could have scored more, but Rebel catcher Samantha Kimura cut down three Aztecs at the plate in the inning to keep the game from getting out of hand.

The Rebels were unable to produce much offense in the game, as they were no-hit through the sixth inning, until freshman Shawna Goessling led off the top of the seventh with a single to left field breaking up MWC Pitcher of the Year Sandra Durazo's bid for her first career no-hitter.

Rebel junior pitcher Geney Orris went the distance for the Rebels, allowing 10 hits, four runs, two earned, two walks and a strike out in the losing effort. Durazo pitched her 28th complete game of the year, improving her record to a school best 25-12.

The Rebels will try to redeem themselves against the loser of a game later today in double elimination play. Game time will be 9:00 a.m. MT Friday.