Feb. 10, 2007
Final Stats
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball team (3-0) had to come back from a 3-2 deficit in after three innings of play and did it in a major way. The Rebels plated 10 runs between the fourth and sixth innings to run-rule the Thundering Herd, 12-3, in Saturday's play of the Alexis Resort Kick-Off Classic.
Marshall took an early 1-0 lead in the first, only to see Caitlyn Paus smash a two-run shot over the left field fence in the second. The Herd countered with two runs of its own with two singles and a double.
Down 3-2 heading into the fourth, the Rebels began clicking in all phases of the game. Kendall Fearn opened the stanza with a single to center and took second on a throwing error by the centerfielder. Alyssia De La Torre pinch-ran for Fearn and scored on a single up the middle to tie the game. Rosa Ordaz promptly game UNLV the lead for good with a two-run blast over the outer fence of Eller Media Stadium.
From that point on Heather Slettvet (2-0) made every pitch count until the end, as she allowed only one hit in the final three frames. She tossed 6.0 innings and allowed six hits and three runs. She walked none and struck out six.
UNLV's offense exploded in the sixth with seven runs on four hits and two Herd errors. Jenn Newman and Rosa Ordaz were on second and first, respectively, when Paus dropped down a sacrifice bunt that was thrown into first base foul territory. Paus wound up on third, while both runners scored. Pinch-hitter Sandy Nakamura brought Paus home with a single to center and then was pinch-run for by Stacey Burgos. Bri Bernardi entered as a pinch-hitter and reached on fielder's choice error. Jaci Hull helped load the bases with a walk, which ended the night for MU's Abigail Harter's (1-1) night.
Erin DeStefano entered in the sixth and got Kelli Fangonilo to hit a grounder to short to force Burgos at the plate. Brittany Bolinger rudely welcomed DeStefano to the game with a come back shot that ricocheted off the hurler to the first base dugout to score one run. Fearn followed with a sacrifice fly to right to score Hull. Jenn Newman made her first at-bat as a Rebel count, as she lined a double to center to end the game. Two runs scored on Newman's hit.
Harter suffered the loss for Marshall in 5.0 innings of work. She allowed 11 runs (eight earned) on seven hits. She struck out five and walked three.
Up next for UNLV is a split doubleheader on Sunday. Sunday's action begins at 9:00 am with the Rebels against Nicholls State. Marshall and Pacific are scheduled to play at 11:00 am with UNLV vs. Illinois-Chicago at 1:00 pm.
