Feb. 19, 2011

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Erika Taylor took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and finished with a one-hit shutout as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville blanked host UNLV at the Louisville Slugger Softball Tournament.

Taylor earned her first victory of the season by fanning seven Rebels and walking two.

The Cougars closed out their time in Las Vegas against No. 3-ranked Tennessee. After the Lady Vols suffered a loss to host UNLV, they came back to defeat the Cougars 12-2 in five innings.

Rachel Coonrod provided the offensive spark for SIUE. The freshman belted her first career home run, a blast to left center field in the first inning. Tennessee, 8-1, attacked SIUE pitching for 12 runs on 14 hits.

"She smoked the home run, no question about it. And that was off their No. 1 pitcher." said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery. "That was a great at-bat for her." Coonrod finished the tournament by hitting .364 over the five games that included three nationally-ranked squads.

In the UNLV game, Taylor outdueled UNLV starter-loser Amanda Oliveto. UNLV is now 4-5 after its win over Tennessee.

"Erika threw outstanding again today," said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery. "She was controlling their lineup from top to bottom."

SIUE's offense gave Taylor the only run she needed in the top of the seventh inning.

Samantha Stanicek worked the count to 3-2 before driving the ball to right field for a single. Kasey Schlafke followed with a key sacrifice bunt that moved Stanicek to second. One out later, freshman Chelsea Yankolovich hit a line drive base hit to center field scoring Stanicek from second.

"Samantha battled hard to get on base," said Montgomery. "And Chelsea has had quality at-bats all weekend."

SIUE, which outhit UNLV 6-1, also picked up two hits from Taylor Tooley.

Montgomery said she sees her team playing with a lot of poise. "We're playing like we belong at this level, and that makes me happy."

The Cougars head coach said going into the game that she was not worried about wins and losses. SIUE accomplished its goals. "I definitely feel we did and more," she said. "We really played well. They are leaving here with a lot of confidence."

SIUE is now 3-6 overall and next heads to the Red and Black Tournament. SIUE will play five games over three days at the tournament to be played in Louisville, Ky. The Cougars will play Louisville, Boston University, Miami (Ohio) twice and Wright State.

Montgomery said she and her team have received numerous texts and phone calls congratulating them on their play this weekend. She wanted to thank the alumni and fans for supporting the team. "We just hope we're making Cougar nation proud," she added.

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