May 14, 2004

Box Score

Utah scored the game's only run in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the UNLV softball team 1-0 in the first round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Friday.

The Rebels (25-35) played an outstanding game and had several opportunities to score, but were unable to get the key run across. The loss ends their season.

The Utes (21-31) took advantage in the sixth inning on a two-out double to deep center by Ivette Hernandez. Hernandez was followed by Lynsey Wall, who hit a ball to shallow center. UNLV's Lisa Sampson sprinted in and dove to try to make the catch, but the ball popped out of her mitt and the run scored.

Down by a run, the Rebels started off the seventh with a solid line drive by Morgan Bostwick, good for two bases. Bostwick moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Joanna Jackson. But with the tying run 60 feet away, Utah pitcher Brianna Gourdin (16-7) struck out the next two batters to seal the win.

UNLV starter Jacqueline Kerrigan (19-18) gave an admirable pitching effort, giving up six hits and striking out four.

The Rebels conclude the 2004 season with a 25-35 mark, a four-game improvement over last season.