Feb. 10, 2002

PHOENIX - Two Texas A&M home runs powered the Aggies past the UNLV softball team, 6-2, in the Rebels' final game of the Arizona State Fiesta Bowl Tournament at Rose Mofford Softball Complex on Saturday.

After taking an early 2-0 lead, the Aggies (4-3) used a pair of long balls to hold UNLV (3-4) at bay. Catcher Selena Collins hit the first off Rebel freshman Jackie Kerrigan, a two-run bomb in the fourth to put A&M up, 4-0.

UNLV rallied with runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth. Bridget Byrne cut the deficit to 4-1 with an RBI single. Then, senior Geney Orris led off the fifth with a triple to the right-center gap and scored on Amber Campbell's double.

Despite the big hits, UNLV could produce no more than the two runs. The Rebels managed six hits and left nine runners on base.

The Aggies quelled any threats with a second two-run shot in the top of the seventh. Designated player Lindsay Wilhelmson took advantage of Rebel reliever Kacey Ellis to seal the win.

Kerrigan (0-2) was tagged with her second loss but struck out seven of the 17 batters she faced. A&M's Lindsey Rippee (2-1) completed five innings and allowed just one earned run in earning her second win of the year.

The Rebels return home and will play next on Feb. 15 when they begin play in the UNLV Softball Classic. The three-day, 16-team tournament will be held at Las Vegas' Desert Breeze Softball Complex.