Feb. 10, 2003

LAS VEGAS - UNLV sophomore outfielder Eric Nielsen and New Mexico junior righthander James Vermilyea are the Mountain West Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively. Nielsen is a first-time award winner, while Vermilyea garnered Pitcher of the Week honors for the second time.

Nielsen, from Las Vegas, Nev. (Silverado HS), posted an .833 batting average last week as the Rebels swept the College of Charleston, 10-6, 15-6, 13-9. In two games played, Nielsen was 5-for-6 from the plate with three doubles, two RBI and a home run.

Vermilyea, from Tucson, Ariz. (Sabino HS), tossed the first complete game shutout at Lobo Field since 1993 with an 8-0 decision over New Mexico Highlands last week. He struck out seven and walked one, while scattering six hits among 34 batters faced.