Feb. 16, 2002

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - After earning her first collegiate win in a 13-strikeout performance on Friday night, UNLV freshman pitcher Jackie Kerrigan found herself in the go-to role again on Saturday.

The Eugene, Ore., product pitched six innings in relief and mowed down 15 straight hitters as the Rebel softball team won its third straight game in a 10-5 decision over Central Michigan at the UNLV Softball Classic at Desert Breeze Complex.

Kerrigan (2-2) came into the game in the bottom of the second inning in relief of starter Kacey Ellis. With two runners in scoring position, nobody out and the Rebels in a hole, 4-3, she immediately sat down the meat of the Chippewas (1-3) order and retired 15 straight hitters and 18 of the last 19.

"Jackie looks dominant out there," UNLV head coach Shan McDonald said of her freshman star's play over the last two days. "Her velocity is up and her accuracy is pinpoint. We will win a lot of ball games if she continues to pitch like that."

CMU finally got to Kerrigan in the seventh, hitting two doubles to score its fifth run. But by that time, the UNLV offense had exploded for 10 runs and 12 hits of its own.

The Rebels (6-5) big inning was the third in which 10 hitters came to the plate. Pauline Glenn delivered the big hit, a three-run long ball to left center for her second bomb of the tournament and third of the year. Bridget Byrne followed the bottom of the order with a two-RBI single to put UNLV up, 8-4.

Arica Painter's two-RBI single in the fourth gave the Rebels some breathing room.

With the win, the Rebels climbed back over the .500 mark and improved to 3-1 in tournament play. They will conclude the event on Sunday with a 12:00 noon game against Cal Poly.