Jan. 31, 2004

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball team scored twice in the fifth inning to post a 2-0 victory over the program's alumni in the annual exhibition game between the two at Eller Media Stadium on Saturday.

Although records of the series against the Alumni do not exist, the game was the first victory for the Rebels that many could remember.

UNLV scored the game's only runs in the fifth inning, following a leadoff walk by Joanna Jackson. Brittney Hillyer then grounded to Alumni pitcher Geney Orris, but Orris threw the ball away attempting to put out Jackson at second. With two aboard a nobody out, UNLV head coach Lonni Alameda called for a double steal, which put both runners in scoring position for Lisa Sampson. Sampson grounded out to the second baseman, and Jackson scored easily from third for the game-winning run.

Freshman Christy Tennes, pinch running for Hillyer, came in to score just two batters later on a two-out single up the middle by Bridget Byrne

Although neither run was earned, the Rebels took advantage of their best scoring opportunity of the day against a stingy Alumni pitching staff. Starter Lori Harrigan faced just eight batters and struck out six in two innings. Orris fanned four in three innings of work, including a crucial two-out strikeout of Kacey Ellis with two runner aboard to end the fourth.

The Rebels' pitchers were equally impressive. Jacqueline Kerrigan struck out five of the 11 batters she faced and surrendered a pair of hits. A two-out single by alumni pitcher Kim Smith-Anthony was the only blemish on Becky McDonald's pitching line, which was strong enough to earn her the victory. And Kacey Ellis picked up a save by giving up just one walk in two innings.

UNLV collected just five singles in the game, two from third-baseman Pauline Glenn. The Alumni managed just three hits, including a double from Julie Crandall.

The Rebels begin the 2004 regular season on Friday, Feb. 6, against Cal State Northridge at the Pepsi Arizona Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.