Feb. 9, 2003

PHOENIX - Sophomore pitcher Jackie Kerrigan tossed a complete game two-hit shutout to lead the UNLV softball team to a 1-0 victory over Southwest Texas State at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament on Sunday.

Kerrigan dominated the Bobcats' lineup, striking out nine and carrying a perfect game into the third. But a two-out walk and a subsequent single by SWT centerfielder Kristen Zaleski threatened the Rebels (3-6) 1-0 lead. Both runners advanced to scoring position before Kerrigan quelled the threat with her third strikeout of the day.

UNLV built its lead in the top of the third. With one out, Bridget Byrne delivered the first of three straight singles. Byrne stole second and advanced to third on a bunt single by Carrie Bayless. Bayless the stole second, putting two runners in scoring position for Lisa Moses. Moses ripped a base hit to centerfield, easily scoring Byrne. However, Bayless was held at third and Moses got caught trying to sneak to second.

The Bobcats had chances in both the fourth and the fifth. A fielding error allowed SWT's Ryan Stukel to get to second before Kerrigan struck out Katie Trahan to end the fourth. A leadoff single and hit batsman in the fifth put runners at second and third with two outs, but again Kerrigan took care of business at the plate with a strikeout.

The Bobcats' last opportunity came in the final inning as another fielding error and a walk put two runners aboard with two down. And as she had all game, Kerrigan took it upon herself to close the inning, tallying her ninth strikeout to win the game and improve to 3-1 on the season.

SWT starter Nicole Neuerburg was nearly as effective. She fanned nine Rebels and was hurt only by the three consecutive singles.

The win stopped a six-game losing skid for the Rebels, who return to Las Vegas next week to host the UNLV Softball Classic, a three-day, 16-team tournament played at Stephanie Lynn Craig Park and Eller Media Stadium.