March 14, 2006

Final Stats

LOS ANGELES - The UNLV softball team (13-14) tried to get back into its game with #3 UCLA (26-1) on Wednesday afternoon, but the Bruin offense was too much to overcome. The Rebels fell behind 5-0 through three, but rallied to cut the deficit to one run 5.5 innings of play. The Bruins got two quick runs to push their lead to 7-4, right before a grand slam connected for the final 11-4 score.

After a scoreless first inning for UNLV, UCLA plated three runs in its half of the frame. Christie Robinson (4-5) got a fly out to start the game. Krista Colburn followed with the first hit of the game coming in the form of a home run to right field. Following a double by Caitlin Benyi and a fly out, Jodie Legaspi cranked a two-run shot out of Easton Stadium. Shannon Crisp entered the circle for UNLV after the home run.

In the third, UCLA added two runs to its lead with help from one hit and two Rebel errors.

UNLV got on the board in the sixth with four runs on four hits and two Bruin errors. Rosa Ordaz nailed a double to right field to start the run-scoring barrage. After a first out of the inning was recorded, Brittany Bolinger came up and singled to Andrea Duran at third. In an attempt to get Bolinger at first, Duran's throw went past the first baseman and allowed Ordaz to score. Maggie Livreri singled to left center and took second when the ball was misplayed, while Bolinger moved to third. With two out, Kendall Fearn smashed a three-run home run to left center pulling the Rebels within one run.

The Bruins countered with six runs of their own in their half of the sixth. A quick one-out single by Tara Henry allowed for an insurance run. Duran doubled to left center and Henry came around to score. Duran scored on a single through the left side by Emily Zaplatosch. UCLA loaded the bases for Lisa Dodd to hit a grand slam to center.

Next up for the Rebels is the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif. The Rebels face Arizona (9 am) and Cal State Northridge (1:30 pm) on Thursday and Texas A&M (9 am) on Friday. Bracket play begins on Saturday and extends into Sunday. Historically speaking, UNLV is 29-37 in the years the team has played in the tournament. This will be the 14th appearance for the Rebels in what has formerly been known as the Pony Tournament and the Kia Klassic.