Feb. 18, 2007
Box Score
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball team (8-3) showed its resolve after the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-5) knotted the score at 4-4 with a grand slam in Sunday's first game of the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic. The Rebels rebounded to bring two runs home in the bottom of the sixth to secure the 6-4 victory.
The Rebels pushed out to a four-run lead after scoring two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Brittany Meade broke a scoreless 0-0 tie in the third with a two-run blast over the left field fence. Meade's home run scored Kendall Fearn from first following her single.
In the fifth, Alyssia De La Torre began the frame by reaching on a bunt that was dropped by the second baseman covering first base. Brittany Bolinger brought De La Torre home with a triple to right field. Bolinger wound up scoring on a single to center by Fearn.
Illinois' only offensive came in the sixth when they touched Shannon Crisp for four runs on four hits. The most damaging hit came with the bases loaded. Molly Lawhead walked up to the plate with two out and deposited Crisp's offering over the centerfield fence. Christie Robinson was summoned from the bullpen to relieve Crisp and got the third and final out to end the inning.
It didn't take long for UNLV to break the tie with two runs on four hits. Bri Bernardi opened the inning with a single up the middle. Jenn Newman entered the game to pinch-run for Bernardi and advanced to third on a single to center by Caitlyn Paus. With runners on the corners, Brittany Freight dropped down a perfect bunt in front of home plate to load the bases. De La Torre hit into a fielder's choice which forced Newman out at home. Jaci Hull came up and delivered a two-run double to the left field fence.
Robinson (4-1) wound up getting the win with 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. She allowed two hits and struck out one.
Crisp took a no-decision in 5.2 innings of work. She gave up five hits and four runs. She struck out two and walked two.
Ashley Wright (2-3) suffered the loss in 1.1 innings of relief. Wright surrendered Hull's two-RBI and five total hits.
Vicky Brown started the game for Illinois and took a no-decision in 4.2 innings of work. Brown allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits. She struck out three and walked three.
The Rebels return to Eller Media Stadium on Monday afternoon (1:30 pm) in the conclusion of the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic against Utah State. For full tournament information check the UNLV softball webpage on UNLVRebels.com.
