March 14, 2004

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - Jacqueline Kerrigan tossed a two-hit shutout to lead the UNLV softball team to a 2-0 victory over Long Island at Eller Media Stadium on Sunday.

With the victory, the Rebels (16-14) win the UNLV Tournament II title, posting a 4-1 record in tourney play.

Kerrigan was as sharp as ever, carrying a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. LIU (2-14) finally broke it up with two out in the sixth when centerfielder Sayde Marzolf dropped a perfect bunt in front of the plate a base hit.

The Blackbirds collected one more hit in the seventh, a leadoff single to center, but Kerrigan retired the next three hitters to cap her sixth shutout of the year.

Offensively, the Rebels pounded out nine hits against LIU starter Jackie Brown. Leading the way was senior Bridget Byrne, who collected three hits. For the weekend, Byrne was an impressive 12-for-19 (.632) and lifted her batting average to .438 for the year.

UNLV scored both of its runs in the third inning, started by a one-out single by Byrne. Brittany Freight then drew a walk to put two aboard. Lisa Sampson then smacked her second hit of the day into center to score Byrne and push Freight to third. Kacey Ellis then dropped a squeeze bunt, the second for the Rebels of the weekend, and Freight raced home for the second run.

The Rebels return to the road next week, heading to Fullerton, Calif., to play in the Kia Classic. UNLV will faced three ranked teams there - Nebraska, Florida State and Arizona State - from March 17-20.