Feb. 12, 2010

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Rebels (0-1) dropped its 2010 home-opener, 8-0 in six innings, Friday night to the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) in the Sportco Kick-Off Classic from Eller Media Stadium. The Illini struck early with three runs in the first and capped off the scoring barrage with five in the sixth to cap the shut out bid.

The Fighting Illini jumped out quickly with three runs in the first frame after loading the bases with help from a single, a hit-by-pitch and a walk. The first run crossed when Traci Odegard (0-1) was for an illegal pitch. The second and third tallies came across the plate with help from back-to-back RBI-singles from Jessica Davis and Kelley Wedel.

Illinois added five more runs in the sixth off back-to-back home runs and a bases-loaded single. Audrey Gallian began the offensive with a three-run shot to left, which was quickly followed by a line-drive shot to center by Davis. Prior to Davis' at-bat Jessica O'Connor took the circle in relief of Odegard. The Fighting Illini managed to load the bases on O'Connor before getting an RBI-single from Danielle Zymkowitz.

The Rebels left six runners on base with three in scoring position. They juiced the bases in the second with help from singles from Laura Briones and Tayler Aleman and a walk issued to Chey Farley. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. In the third, Jaci Hull reached on a single and moved to third after a throwing error, but was left stranded.

Odegard took the loss for UNLV in 5.1 innings of work. She was touched for six runs on seven hits. She walked seven with four strikeouts.

Monica Perry (1-0) picked up the win for Illinois in six-innings of work. Perry pitched a shutout and allowed only three hits, while striking out seven and walking two.

The loss to Illinois snapped a three-game winning streak owned by UNLV in the head-to-head series and a four straight wins by the Rebels in home openers.

The Rebels return to action against Cal State Bakersfield at 8:00 pm Friday night.