March 7, 2004

Box Score

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Rebounding from a tough two-loss day on Saturday, the UNLV softball team eliminated Boston University from the Speedline Invitational behind a 13-strikeout, two-hit shutout from Jacqueline Kerrigan at the Eddie C. Moore Complex on Sunday.

Kerrigan (10-9) gave up just two hits to the Terriers (7-14) in the 3-0 victory and worked with a lead throughout the game as the Rebels (11-13) scored early.

Senior Bridget Byrne led off the game with an infield single. Looking to bunt, Brittany Freight drew two strikes and was forced to swing away, then promptly shot a line drive up the middle for the Rebels' second hit. Both runners advanced on Morgan Bostwick's bunt, and Kacey Ellis drove in Byrne with a ball to the right side.

It looked as if the Rebels might leave Freight at third when Lisa Sampson hit a ground ball to third base with two ours. The third baseman made the play in time, but the catch was fumbled. Sampson was safe at first and Freight came home to put the Rebels ahead 2-0.

UNLV scored its last run in the third inning, started again by a Byrne single. As the Rebels traded outs for bases, Byrne stood at third with two away and Ellis at the plate. A sharp ground ball got away from the second baseman, and Ellis was safe at first as the Rebels scored their second unearned run of the game.

While the insurance was welcome, it was not needed. Kerrigan did not allow a hit until the third inning, and that was a nicely placed bunt against a drawn back defense. Twice the Terriers found themselves with two base runners and one out, but both times Kerrigan struck out the next two batters to escape the trouble.

With the win, the Rebels (11-13) advance to the fourth-place bracket championship game, where they will meet the winner of Rutgers and Mercer.