Jan. 31, 2003

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - Junior Wendy Godwin hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 10th inning to lead the UNLV softball team (2-0) to a come-from-behind victory over Cal Poly (0-2) in the first game of a doubleheader at Eller Media Stadium on Friday.

The game, the first of the season for both teams, lasted nine scoreless innings before both teams found their offense in the tenth. Rebel freshman Becky McDonald threw nine shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out eight, while Mustang starter Jamie Gelbart allowed just six hits and no runs through nine.

Relief pitching took over in the tenth. UNLV called upon sophomore Jackie Kerrigan, who retired two of the first three hitters she faced before giving up three straight singles. The last two hits drove in Cal Poly's first runs of the game, and the Mustangs carried a 2-0 led into the bottom of the tenth.

Kerrigan atoned for her pitching errors by leading off the Rebels' comeback rally with a single off Mustang reliever Cassie Vanderbeek. Kacey Ellis followed with a double and Bridget Byrne was walked to load the bases with nobody out.

UNLV scored its first run when freshman Britney Hillyer delivered a pinch-hit single. Lisa Moses then drew a bases-loaded walk to knot the game at two, setting up Godwin for the heorine's role.

The Rebels carried that momentum into the nightcap, cruising to an 8-1 victory. Kerrigan tossed a complete game four-hitter, and the offense pounded out nine hits.

UNLV took an early lead in the first and held only a 2-0 edge through four. Then a fielding error and three straight singles quickly put the Rebs up 5-0.

Moses powered the offense on the day, going 5-for-8 with three RBI and two runs scored. Hillyer and fellow freshman Carly Petracco both singled in their first collegiate at bats, and Kerrigan claimed both of the Rebels' wins.

UNLV will finish its four-game homestand with a twin bill on Tuesday, Feb. 4, against Saint Mary's at 1:00 p.m.