2001-02 Archives

Karli Burneleit Named Second Team All-Big West
(May 11, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders capped off their first year in the Big West Conference by placing sophomore second baseman Karli Burneleit on the All-Big West second team, voted on by the coaches.

Burneleit (Corona, CA/Corona HS) led the Highlanders with a .303 average, four home runs, and 27 RBI. She had 17 multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games.

The Highlanders finished their season with a 15-44 overall record and 5-19 in the Big West.

Aggies Edge Highlanders in Ten Innings
(May 11, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders lost their final game of the season 3-1 against the Utah State Aggies in ten innings on Saturday to finish up a three game series.

Breanne Nickle-Smith provided the only offense for the Aggies, blasting a solo shot to right in the top of the second inning, and then driving in the game winning runs in the top of the tenth with a triple down the right line to score two runs. Suzanne Dallas drove in the only Highlander run when she grounded out to the shortstop, scoring Danielle Garcia from third. UCR had runners on base in each of the extra innings of the game but failed to score them as the Aggies went on to win the game 3-1.

In her last collegiate game, UC Riverside starting pitcher Monique Baeza (7-22) pitched a complete ten-inning game, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out six batters. Lindsay Janessen (5-20) relieved Aggie starter Kristin Hommel in the ninth, earning her fifth victory of the season.

Also playing their final collegiate games were Kiara Burneleit, who had a sacrifice bunt to advance what would be the Highlanders only run of the game to second base, Brandy Chavez, who went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles, and Garcia, who went 1-for-4 and scored the only Highlander run.

UC Riverside wraps up their first Big West season with a 5-19-conference record, and 15-44 record overall.

Highlanders, Aggies Split a Pair
(May 10, 2002) - Karli Burneliet blasted a three run shot in the bottom of the third inning in game two to lead the Highlanders to a 9-2 victory over the Utah State Aggies on Friday at the UC Riverside Softball Complex. The Highlanders dropped the first game of the doubleheader, 6-2.

Utah State scored four runs on four hits and two errors in the second inning of game one getting on the board first 4-0. Karli Burneleit led off the bottom half of the inning with a solo shot to left field to score the Highlanders first run of the game. Kiara Burneleit started the bottom of the sixth off with a single, and then scored on a wild pitch and an error by the Aggies second baseman. Utah State starter Lindsay Janssen (4-20), who pitched a complete game, held the Highlanders to just four hits and allowed two earned runs. UCR starting pitcher Jenell Jackson (6-15) also pitched a complete game, scattering eight hits and allowing three earned runs.

UC Riverside struck early in game two, scoring a run on three hits in the bottom of the first inning to take the 1-0 lead. Karli Burneleit added three more runs to the score in the third inning, when she blasted her second homer of the day. The Aggies tried to close the gap, scoring two runs in the fourth. But the Highlanders answered back in the bottom half of the inning, driving in five runs to give the team a 9-2 victory. The nine Highlander runs were the most the team had scored this season, breaking their previous record of eight runs, which they scored against the University of San Diego. Monique Baeza (7-21) allowed seven hits and gave up two earned runs in her complete game victory over the Aggies.

Karli Burneleit Named Big West Player of the Week
(May 6, 2002) - Sophomore second baseman/shortstop Karli Burneleit was named Big West Player of the Week by the Conference Office Monday.

Burneleit had a hit in every Highlander game this past week and led the team to its first series sweep as a member of the Big West. She was a key factor in each win over Sacramento State, knocking in the game-winning run in the first game of the series and scoring the game-winning run in the final game. Burneleit batted .545 for the week.

Baeza Throws Shutout, Completes Sweep of Hornets
(May 5, 2002) - Senior pitcher Monique Baeza threw her second consecutive shutout to lead the UC Riverside Highlanders to a three-game sweep of the Sacramento State Hornets, winning 1-0 at the UCR Softball Field on Sunday afternoon. The Highlanders improved to 14-42 overall and 4-17 in conference while Sac State fell to 16-32 overall and 5-16 in conference.

Baeza gave up seven hits and struck out five batters earning her sixth win of the season and her third shutout. Hornet starter Kirsten Wise (1-6) gave up one run on six hits and struck out two.

The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the fourth as Karli Burneleit led off the inning with a double to center and advanced to third on an Andrea Cunningham groundout. Sarah Smallwood drove in Burneleit with a single to left.

Sac State did have a scoring opportunity in the top of the seventh as Jillian Bivert doubled down the right field line with two outs in the inning. Amber Drogomir hit a dinker over Highlander second baseman Daniella Garcia but Garcia threw to Colby Kelly who relayed home to Brandy Chavez and tagged Bivert out at the plate to end the game.

Jackson, Baeza Lead Highlanders to Sweep of Sac State
(May 4, 2002) - Sophomore Jenell Jackson and senior Monique Baeza shutout the Sacramento State Hornets to lead the UC Riverside Highlanders to a sweep by scores of 2-0 and 2-0 at the UCR Softball Field on Saturday afternoon. The Highlanders record goes to 12-42 overall and 3-17 in the Big West while the Hornets are 16-31 overall and 5-15 in conference.

In game one, Jackson allowed only four hits and stuck out one over seven innings. Hornet starter Nicole Detherage gave up two runs on seven hits and struck out five.

Riverside took care of scoring early, getting on the board in the first with a RBI single by Karli Burneleit, scoring Suzanne Dallas. The Highlanders added an insurance run in the fifth on a RBI single by Dallas to plate Jackson.

In the finale, Baeza matched Jackson with only four hits given up and struck out four. Sac State starter Jillian Bivert gave up two runs on seven hits and struck out four.

The Highlanders pushed across two in the bottom of the third on a sacrafice fly by Dallas to score Daniella Garcia and Karli Burneleit singled home sister Kiara to finish the scoring.

Rebels Defeat Highlanders, 6-1
(May 3, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the UNLV Rebels 6-1 in a non-conference game at the UCR Softball Field on Friday afternoon.

The Rebels (28-31) got on the board first with a solo shot by Arica Painter over the left field fence for her first career home run. However, the Highlanders (11-42) responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning on a RBI single by Karli Burneleit, plating sister Kiara Burneleit.

UNLV took the lead in the fourth on an RBI single by Melissa Inouye that scored Pauline Glenn for the 2-1 lead. The Rebels added four runs in the seventh on two Highlander errors and a two-run shot by Jenny Orris.

Rebel pitcher Kacey Ellis (6-3) allowed one run on five hits and struck out two while Highlander pitcher Jenell Jackson (5-14) gave up six runs - four earned - on seven hits and struck out four.

No-Hitter Leads to Sweep of Highlanders
(April 28, 2002) - The #9 Cal State Fullerton Titans pounded out 13 runs on 11 hits in sweeping the UC Riverside Highlanders with a 13-0 defeat at Titan Softball Complex on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Highlanders fall to 11-41 overall and 1-17 in the Big West while the Titans improve to 44-11 and 16-2 in conference.

Senior Christy Robitaille (11-4) tossed her first career no-hitter, striking out eight batters and walking two.

Fullerton struck early, scoring four in the first, highlighted by a Jodie Cox two-run homerun. The Titans also added eight in the third, the big blasts were a pair of three-run shots by Yasmin Mossadeghi and Gina Oaks. CSUF added one more in the fourth on a bases-loaded walk.

Jessica Gandara (2-7) took the loss, giving up two hits and walking two before Monique Baeza came into the game, going 2.2 innings, giving up eight runs on seven hits. The third UCR pitcher was Jenell Jackson, giving up one run on two hits in 1.1 innings.

Titans Trounce Highlanders
(April 27, 2002) - The #9 Cal State Fullerton Titans pounded out 18 runs on 18 hits in handing the UC Riverside Highlanders 12-0 and 6-0 defeats at Titan Softball Complex on Saturday afternoon. With the losses, the Highlanders fall to 11-40 overall and 1-16 in the Big West while the Titans improve to 43-11 and 15-2 in conference.

Gina Oaks threw five shutout innings, giving up only a fifth inning single to Highlander catcher Brandy Chavez, and struck out nine batters. Riverside starter Jenell Jackson only lasted 0.2 innings, giving up eight runs - four earned - on three hits. Jessica Gandara came in as relief, but gave up four runs - one earned - on nine hits over 3.1 innings. The Titans sent 17 batters to the plate and scored 11 first innings runs on seven hits and two UCR errors. Fullerton added a run in the fourth for the five-inning mercy.

In game two, Jodie Cox threw a no-hitter, allowing only three walks and hitting two batters while striking out six. Highlander starter Monique Baeza gave up six runs - five earned - on five hits and struck out four.

The Titans again scored early, getting three in the first and three in the second. Yasmin Mossadeghi did the damage in the first with a two-run triple and Monica Lucatero had a two-run single in the second to finish off the scoring.

Highlanders Split With Santa Clara
(April 26, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders split a non-conference doubleheader against Santa Clara University, losing game one 2-0 and winning game two, 3-1 at the UCR Softball Field on Friday afternoon.

In game one, Rachel Sherman hit a two-run homerun down the left field line for the only runs of the game to give Santa Clara (20-31) the 2-0 win. Bronco pitcher, Jennifer Ponzo (6-10) threw a complete game shutout, giving up only five hits and striking out one. Jenell Jackson (5-12) took the loss, going 2.2 innings, giving up two runs on three hits. Jessica Gandara relieved Jackson, going 4.1 innings and allowing three hits and striking out five.

In the finale, the Highlanders (11-38) got on the board first with an RBI single by Stephanie Avila, plating Colby Kelly and a sacrafice fly by Allison Solis that scored Sarah Smallwood, giving UCR a 2-0 lead. However, Sherman hit a solo blast in the fifth to cut the lead to 2-1, but Kelly added insurance in the sixth with a solo blast of her own.

Highlander starter Monique Baeza (4-20) gave up one run on three hits while Deanna Rodriguez (9-12) took the loss, giving up three runs on eight hits.

UCSB Completes Sweep of Highlanders
(April 21, 2002) - Katie Junge threw a one-hit shutout to lead the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos to the three-game sweep of the UC Riverside Highlanders, winning 1-0 at the UCR Softball Field on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Highlanders fall to 10-37 overall and 1-14 in the Big West while the Gauchos improve to 23-29 overall and 8-7 in conference.

Junge went 6 2/3 without giving up a hit until an infield single by Jeannine Robison. She also gave up one walk, hit two batters and struck out one. Highlander starter Monique Baeza gave up one earned run on six hits.

The only run of the game came in the top of the fifth when Leslie Simien singled to shortstop and was sacraficed to second by Jami Trinidad. Julia Tamai knocked in Simien with a single to right center providing the final margin.

Highlanders Drop Two to Santa Barbara
(April 20, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped a doubleheader against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 5-0 and 4-1 at the UCR Softball Field on Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Highlanders fall to 10-36 overall and 1-13 in the Big West while the Gauchos improve to 22-29 overall and 7-7 in conference.

In game one, the Gauchos scored four unearned runs in the first innings on two Highlander errors and two hits. Riverside starter Monique Baeza was the hard luck loser, going only one inning, giving up two hits and striking out one. Jenell Jackson came into the game in the second, giving up one earned run in the fifth by hitting Natalie Adame with the bases loaded. Jackson gave up only one hit in the game but had seven walks and struck out four. Gaucho pitcher Katie Junge threw a shutout, giving up six hits and striking out three.

Leslie Simien broke the UCSB single season stolen base record of 29 by stealing second in the first inning and had four on the day to take her total to 33.

In the finale, the Gauchos scored two runs in the sixth on an RBI single by Julia Tamai and on a Highlander error by Suzzanne Dallas. Riverside answered back with their first run of the day as Daniella Garia scored on a wild pitch. However, UCSB added two runs in the seventh on two Highlander errors.

Baeza pitched well in the loss, giving up only one earned run on five hits and three strikeouts. Loren Thornburg got the win for Santa Barbara, giving up only two hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters.

UOP Sweeps Highlanders
(April 14, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the 17th ranked Pacific Tigers 7-0 on Sunday afternoon at Bill Simoni Field in Stockton, CA. The Highlanders fell to 10-34 and 1-11 in the Big West while the Tigers improved to 33-12 and 13-1.

For the second consecutive day, senior pitcher Cindy Ball (20-8) shutout the Highlanders, allowing only three hits and striking out six. Ball also went 3-for-4 on the day with a run scored and a RBI.

The Tigers scored consistently throughout the game, getting one in the second and two in the third, fifth and sixth. Barbara Moody did most of the damage with three RBI on the day and seven of the nine starters had at least one hit.

Highlander starter Monique Baeza (3-17) went five innings, giving up five runs on eight hits while reliever Jenell Jackson pitched one inning, giving up two unearned runs.

UCR Drops Two Against 17th Pacific
(April 13, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the 17th ranked Pacific Tigers 10-0 and 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Bill Simoni Field in Stockton, CA. The Highlanders fell to 10-33 and 1-10 in the Big West while the Tigers improved to 32-12 and 12-1.

The day belonged to senior pitcher Cindy Ball (19-8), hitting a two-run homer in the first inning and holding the Highlanders hitless in a five-inning mercy game. The Tigers scored three in the first, after a follow-up solo shot by Estee Okumura. UOP added four runs in the second, two in the third and one in the fourth.

Highlander starter Jessica Gandara (2-6) gave up three runs on three hits in 0.2 innings before Jenell Jackson came in to relieve. Jackson gave up seven runs - three earned - on six hits in 3.1 innings. Ball allowed four base runners, three walks and a hit batter.

In game two, the Tigers jumped out to another early lead, getting two in the first and three in the second on a bases clearing double by Barbara Moody, taking a 5-0 lead. Riverside fought back, scoring three in the sixth and one in the seventh.

Karli Burneleit had an RBI single, scoring Allison Solis and Kristen Hernandez singled home Suzanne Dallas. The third run came courtesy of a bases loaded walk that scored Burneleit. An error in the seventh allowed Sarah Smallwood to score but the UCR was not able to tie the game.

Jennifer Dacre (8-2) picked up the win, going five innings and allowing three runs on five hits. Ball picked up the save, throwing 1.1 innings and giving up one hit and one unearned run. Highlander pitcher Monique Baeza went the distance, giving up five runs on two hits, but plagued by five walks, two hit batters and three wild pitches.

Highlanders Sweep USD
(April 8, 2002) -- The UC Riverside Highlanders swept the University of San Diego Toreros, 4-2 and 8-0 at the USD Softball Complex on Sunday afternoon.

In game one, UCR scored single runs in the first and third to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Karli Burneleit belted an RBI double in the first that scored Suzanne Dallas from first base after she had reached on a walk. In the third, Dallas walked again and scored on Jeannine Robison's single. USD scored in the bottom of the third as Kirsten Adair led off with a walk and would eventually score on Lora McBay's RBI sacrifice fly to right. The Toreros knotted the score in the fourth when Kristy Clarke lined a double to left center that scored Francesca Ramos.

UCR scored two runs in the top of the seventh on a Karli Burneleit single down the leftfield line that scored Allison Solis and Brandy Chavez. Highlander pitcher Jessica Gandara (2-5) went the final three innings, holding the Toreros to two hits and no runs. Anna Russell (4-12) took the loss for USD, giving up four runs on seven hits.

In game two, Jenell Jackson (5-11) shutout the Toreros, limiting them to just two hits. Andrea Cunningham had a three-run double in the top of the first to give Jackson all the runs she would need. Riverside added single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth and added two runs in the seventh on a Daniella Garcia two-run double.

Allison Solis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and Karli Burneleit had two hits and two runs scored, finishing the day 4-for-6 with three RBI.

Highlanders Split A Pair With Lions
(April 6, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders spilt a non-conference double header with the Loyola Marymount Lions on Saturday afternoon at the UCR Softball Field. The Highlanders beat the Lions in game one, 4-1 but dropped the second game 6-4.

The Lions scored a single run in the top of the first to take the early 1-0 lead, but UCR tied the game up at 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning on a groundout by Karli Burneleit, scoring Kiara Burneleit from third. The Highlanders took the lead in the bottom of the third on a Suzanne Dallas single that scored Kiara Burneleit from second. Riverside added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth and fifth to give the Highlanders the 4-1 victory over the Lions. Jenell Jackson pitched all seven innings for UCR as she earned her fourth win on the season. Kiara Burneleit went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a single and three runs scored in the game.

LMU led off game two with a run in the first inning, but UCR evened the score at one in the second inning when Colby Kelly doubled down the right field line to score Jeannine Robison. Loyola went ahead 3-1 in the top of third inning, but the Highlanders came back in the fourth to tie the game up for the second time. The Lions took control of the game once again in the top of the sixth, as starting pitcher Sami Strinz hit a two run homer to left, followed by a solo shot to left by Emily Foltz. The Highlanders attempted a rally in the bottom of the seventh, scoring a run on two hits and an error, but that was not enough as the Lions got past the Highlanders 6-4.

Jessica Gandera, who came into the game in the fourth to relieve starter Monique Baeza, recorded the loss, dropping her record to 1-5. Both Kelly and Andrea Cunningham went 2-for-3 in the game.

UNLV Sweeps Highlanders
(April 3, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped both games of a double header against the UNLV Rebels, 6-2 and 6-0 at Eller Media Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday afternoon.

The Rebels (21-25) started the scoring early with two in the first but the Highlanders (7-30) got one back in the top of the third on an RBI single by Karli Burneleit, scoring Sarah Smallwood. UNLV added two runs in the third on an RBI double by Arica Painter and two in the fifth on a homer by Geney Orris, taking a 6-1 lead. UCR scored one more in the fifth on an RBI single by Smallwood.

Orris went the distance for the Rebels, scattering eight hits and giving up one earned run and striking out four. Highlander starter Jessica Gandara took the loss, going 1.2 innings and giving up two runs and four hits. Reliever Monique Baeza went 4.1 innings, giving up four runs on four hits.

In the finale, Rebel pitcher Jackie Kerrigan shutout the Highlanders, giving up only three hits and striking out four. Gandara picked up her second loss of the day, throwing 3.1 innings, giving up four runs on five hits. Baeza again came in, throwing 2.2 innings, giving up one earned run on three hits.

UNLV got all the runs that they would need with a run in the bottom of the first on a double by Orris. Orris finished the day 5-for-8 with three RBI and two runs scored. The Rebels added four in the fourth and one in the fifth to finish off the scoring.

49ers Complete Sweep of Highlanders
(March 30, 2002) - Long Beach State defeated UC Riverside, 4-1 in eight innings, completing the three-game sweep at the UCR Softball Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Highlanders (7-28, 1-8) got on the board first with a run in the bottom of the third on a bases-loaded walk, scoring Suzanne Dallas. However, the 49ers (30-13, 8-1) tied the game with a run in the top of the sixth on another bases-loaded walk, scoring Tina McCarty.

The game remained tied until the top of the eighth when Arleigh Thorp hit a home run, giving Long Beach the 2-1 lead. The 49ers added two insurance runs on a bases-loaded walk, scoring Darcey Brown and a sacrafice fly by Nicole Walker that scored Panita Thanatharn.

Long Beach pitcher Lindsey Knoff got her third win of the series, coming in relief of Meredith Cervenka. Knoff did not give up a hit in her five innings of work. Highlander pitcher Jessica Gandara went 7.1 innings, giving up three runs - two earned - on six hits. Monique Baeza pitched the final .2 innings, giving up one run on two walks.

49ers Hand Highlanders A Pair of Losses
(March 29, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped a pair of conference games to Long Beach State, 7-5 in eight innings and 3-0 at the UCR Softball Field on Friday afternoon.

Riverside started the first game off with a run in the first inning and two runs in the third to give the team a 3-0 lead over Long Beach. The 49ers scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the 4-3 lead. Long Beach added a single run in the sixth inning to go up 5-3. The Highlanders tied the game up at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh on a single to left by Brandy Chavez to score Suzanne Dallas and a single to center by Colby Kelly to score Kristen Hernandez. Long Beach State scored two runs in the eighth inning, on an RBI singles by Christina Zepeda and Natalie Walker, to take game one 7-5.

Starter Jessica Gandera pitched four and two thirds innings, giving up one earned run on four hits, and striking out five. Jenell Jackson, who relieved Gandera in the fifth, got the loss dropping her record to 3-11. Kelly went 3-for-4 with two RBI, Dallas and Chavez each went 2-for-4 and Hernandez went 2-for-3 for the second game in a row.

The Highlanders were shutout in game two by 49er pitcher Lindsey Knoff, who threw a complete game three-hitter. Knoff also pitched the last three innings for the 49ers in game one, giving her two wins on the day to improve her record to 11-9. Long Beach scored three runs in the fifth inning to beat UCR 3-0. Monique Baeza (3-15) pitched all seven innings, giving up eight hits, no earned runs, and struck out six batters. Chavez continued her hot streak going 2-for-3 in the second game.

UCR Splits With St. Mary's
(March 27, 2002) - Jeannine Robison hit a walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning in game two to give the Highlanders the come from behind 5-3 victory. The Highlanders split the double header with visiting Saint Mary's College, losing the first game 2-1.

UC Riverside got on the board early when second baseman Karli Burneleit hit a solo shot to left field with two outs in the bottom of the first, 1-0. Starting pitcher Jenell Jackson held the Gaels scoreless until the top of the sixth, when Saint Mary's took advantage of two Highlander errors to score two runs to take the 2-1 lead. The Gaels held on to the lead and took the win over the Highlanders. Jackson (3-10) pitched all seven innings giving up four hits and no earned runs, striking out seven batters. Jennifer Eaton got the win for the Gaels and improved to 5-12.

In the finale, the Highlanders trailed 3-2 until the bottom of the seventh. Karli Burneleit doubled to centerfield to score Suzanne Dallas from second to tie the game up at three apiece. Robison followed that up with by smashing a two run blast over the left field fence. Monique Baeza (3-14) pitched a three hit complete game, giving up no earned runs and striking out five opponents.

Karli Burneleit and Jeannine Robison each went 2 for 4 and Kristen Hernandez went 2 for 3 in game two.

UCR Wins Rubber Game Over Cal Poly For First Big West Win
(March 24, 2002) - Jeannine Robison scored the game winning run in the top of the 14th to give the Highlanders their first Big west victory, a 1-0 win over Cal Poly at Bob Janssen Field in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Freshman Jessica Gandara came into the game in relief of Jenell Jackson and pitched 10 2/3 innings for her first win of the season, giving up only six hits and strking out four. Mustang pitcher Jennifer Graver went the distance, scattering 10 hits and striking out four, giving up only the unearned run.

Robison started the 14th with a single up the middle and Sarah Smallwood sacraficed her over to second. Brandy Chavez grounded out to the pitcher, advancing Robison to third. Colby Kelly hit a ground ball, but Jackie Wayland booted the ball, allowing Robison to score the only run of the game.

UCR Drops Pair To Cal Poly
(March 23, 2002) - In a doubleheader delayed by rain, the UC Riverside Highlanders dropped a pair of conference games against Cal Poly, 3-0 and 5-3 at Bob Janssen Field in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Game one started at 4:00 PM, a delay from the original start time of 12:00 PM, but the inclement weather had no affect on Mustang pitcher Jennifer Graver as she threw her fourth shutout of the year, giving up only three hits.

The Mustangs started the game with a run in the first on a sacrafice fly by Jackie Wayland and added insurance runs in the fourth on an RBI double by Joni Colburn and sixth on a Natalie Carillo single.

Highlander starter Jenell Jackson went 3.2 innings, giving up four hits and two runs - one earned - while reliever Jessica Gandara gave up four hits and one run in 2.1 innings.

In the nightcap, Eva Nelson relieved starter Terra Blankenbecler, throwing 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball to pick up her third win of the year. Highlander pitcher Monique Baeza gave up six hits and five runs in five innings of work while Jackson finished up the sixth innings, allowing no hits.

Cal Poly got on the board first with two runs in the bottom half of the first, but sophomore Karli Burneleit doubled home two in the top of the third to tie the score at 2-all. The Mustangs added another run in the bottom half of the inning on a Kasey Poet single to take a 3-2 lead.

The Highlanders tied it up again in the top of the fifth on a Karli Burneleit single, however, the Mustangs (16-11, 3-2) answered with two of their own to seal the win in the bottom half of the fifth. Jackie Wayland knocked in one run with a single up the middle and Carrie Schubert knocked in the other with a sacrafice fly.

Game Cancelled With Oregon
(March 22, 2002) - The UC Riverside softball game against the University of Oregon on Thursday, April 18th has been cancelled.

Highlanders Split With Aztecs
(March 13, 2002) - Monique Baeza threw a three-hit shutout in the second game of a doubleheader to give the Highlanders the 1-0 win and a split with the San Diego State Aztecs at the UCR Softball Field on Wednesday afternoon. UCR dropped the first game to the Aztecs, 4-0.

After five innings of scoreless softball in game one, the Aztecs (18-13-1) put the first run on the board in the sixth, and tacked on three more runs in the seventh. The Highlanders (5-22) were held to four hits in the game and got as far as third only once, in the first innings. Jenell Jackson, (3-8) recorded the loss after pitching six and two thirds innings, striking out two and giving up three earned runs. Jeni Tornquist pitched a complete game shutout to get her fourth win on the season for the Aztecs.

The Highlanders scored early in the second game, as Karli Burneleit singled to centerfield to drive in her sister Kiara Burneleit to give UCR the 1-0 advantage. Burneleit's RBI single proved to be the only scoring in the game as the Highlanders beat the Aztecs 1-0. Baeza (2-13) pitched all seven innings, giving up no runs on three hits. Jessi Green got the loss for San Diego dropping her record to 6-3. Kiara Burneleit went a perfect 3-for-3 and Karli Burnelteit went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Suzanne Dallas extended her hitting streak to six games, as she went 1-for-3 in both games.

CSN Completes Sweep of UCR
(March 10, 2002) -The Cal State Northridge Matadors completed a sweep of the UC Riverside Highlanders with a 7-4 win on Sunday at Matador Diamond.

The Matadors (14-10, 3-0) got a run in the bottom of the first but Jeannine Robison hit her second homerun in as many days to tie the score at 1-1. Northridge took a 2-1 lead in the third but broke the game open with three in the fourth. Riverside (4-21, 0-3) got three back in the fifth, two on an RBI single by Robison, but the Matadors added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth.

The Highlander pitchers were roughed up as Monique Baeza gave up five runs on nine hits in 3.2 innings and Jenell Jackson gave up two runs on five hits in 2.1 innings of relief. Matador pitchers gave up four runs - one earned - on seven hits and striking out four.

Highlanders Drop Two Against Matadors
(March 9, 2002) -The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped their opening two conference games to the Cal State Northridge Matadors, 4-2 and 5-4 at the Matador Diamond on Saturday.

The Highlanders (4-20, 0-2) committed five errors leading to all four Matador runs being charged to Monique Baeza. Baeza threw six innings, giving up seven hits and walking three. However, Riverside opened the scoring with one in the first on an RBI single by Karli Burneleit to drive in her sister Kiara. Northridge (13-10, 2-0) got a run in the bottom of the first but UCR put another on the board in the second when Suzzanne Dallas drove in Kiara with a single.

UCR would not score again as Jenny Wheeler came into the game in relief of Summer Richardson. Wheeler pitched five innings, striking out eight and walking three. The Matadors put the game away with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, helped by two Highlanders' miscues.

In game two, Matador pitcher Kia Fennell pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief and doubled home Christen Bedwell in the bottom of the seventh for the game winning run. Fennell went 3-for-4 at the plate for the day and allowed only three hits and struck out four.

CSN scored one run in the first but UCR answered with two in the second on a two-run shot by freshman Jeannine Robison. The Highlanders added runs in the third on an RBI single by Dallas and one in the fourth by virtue of a wild pitch scoring Jenell Jackson, to take a 4-1 lead.

Northridge scored two in the fifth and one in the sixth to tie the game at 4-all before Fennell's heroics. Highlander pitcher, Jackson, allowed four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. However, Baeza took the loss in relief, giving up one run on two hits in 1.1 innings.

Highlanders Drop Doubleheader at #13 Fresno State
(March 3, 2002) -The UC Riverside Women's Softball team dropped a doubleheader against #13 Fresno State, 2-0 and 1-0 at the Bulldog Diamond in Fresno, CA on Sunday afternoon.

Bulldog pitcher Jamie Southern threw a perfect game against the Highlanders (4-18) while also striking out ten batters. Highlanders' pitcher Monique Baeza gave up two runs on four hits in six innings.

Fresno (10-5) got a run in the fifth and one in the sixth. Baeza walked the bases full and Pam West lined out to leftfield to score Pam Perez from third. The other Bulldog run came on a Southern fly ball to right field, scoring Tiffany Whipple.

In game two, Fresno pitcher Leslie Poole threw six innings, giving up only four hits and no runs, striking out five. Southern threw the last inning for her first save of the year. Riverside pitcher Jenell Jackson threw six innings, giving up one unearned run on six hits.

The Bulldogs pushed across a run in the first inning when Southern scored on a sacrafice fly by Lindsay Fossatti, the only run of the game.

Highlanders Split Doubleheader With Texas A&M Corpus Christi
(February 28, 2002) -The Highlanders and the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders split their doubleheader at the UCR Softball Field Thursday, with the Highlanders taking the opener 2-1 in eight innings and the Islanders winning game two, 1-0.

Texas A & M CC, 11-12, scored first in game one when Eden Goss homered to left center in the top of the fourth. Suzanne Dallas led the bottom half of the inning off with a single to right field. Karli Burneleit followed with a sacrifice bunt, driving in Dallas who came in all the way from first on the bunt and a throwing error by the Islanders' second baseman.

In the eighth inning, with the score tied 1-1, the international tie-breaker rule was put into effect, allowing a runner to be placed on second for both teams. The Highlanders were able to get the lead runner out, and got out of the inning only allowing one hit. Jeannine Robison drove in Dawn Livremento, who was placed on second at the bottom of the eight inning, to win the game 2-1.

Monique Baeza (1-9) picked up her first win of the season, going all eight innings striking out three and allowing one earned run. Islander Amanda Burton recorded her third loss, putting her record to 1-3.

Jenell Jackson held Texas A & M CC scoreless until the top of the sixth, when Rachel Mendez drove in Katie Evans to give the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Baeza relieved Jackson in the seventh inning, holding the Islanders to one run. But UCR could not score in the seventh, and lost 1-0.

Jackson (3-6) allowed one earned run, and struck out two batters. Sarah Pauly (9-3) who relieved starter Dani Damel in the sixth, got the win for Texas.

UCR Drops Two At LMU
(February 26, 2002) - The Loyola Marymount Lions swept the UC Riverside Highlanders, 5-1 and 3-0 at LMU's softball field on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, CA.

The Lions (9-9) scored two runs in the third inning and three in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 5-0 lead. The Highlanders (3-15) got on the board in the top of the sixth as Jeannine Robison started the inning with a single. Karli Burneleit singled to leftfield and Suzanne Dallas reached on a bunt to score Robison, the only UCR run of the day.

Lion pitcher Corianne Rogalsky gave up only one run on six hits and struck out four. Highlander pitcher Jenell Jackson gave up five runs on five hits, but was hurt by six walks. Dallas led the Highlanders with two hits in three at-bats.

In game two, Jennifer Heliotes shutout Riverside on four hits, one walk and five strikouts. Highlander pitcher Monique Baeza was solid on the mound but plagued by three Highlander errors. Baeza gave up three runs - all unearned - on four hits and two walks, striking out four.

Colby Kelly led the Highlandes with two hits in three at-bats. Kelly was the only Highlander runner to reach base in the second game, by stealing third.

UCR Drops Two At #2 UCLA
(February 20, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders ran into one of the top teams in the country, dropping a doubleheader to the #2 UCLA Bruins 14-0 in the five-inning mercy rule and 6-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

In game one, the Bruins (16-0) scored one in the first, eight in the second, and five in the fourth. The Highlanders (3-13) managed just two hits, singles by Suzanne Dallas in the fourth and Colby Kelly in the second. UCR pitchers gave up 14 runs - 10 earned - on 13 hits, walking five and striking out one. Bruin pitcher Claire Sua allowed no runs on two hits, striking out two in five innings.

In the finale, Keira Goerl threw the 80th no hitter in UCLA history and her second of the season. Goerl also struck out 13 batters and had three walks. The Bruins scored early, putting up five runs in the first and one in the fourth. UCR starter Jenell Jackson gave up six runs - four earned - on 11 hits, striking one and walking five. UCR pitchers were plagued by four errors in game one and two in game two.

UCR Finishes With Loss At UNLV Tourney
(2/17/02) - The UC Riverside Highlanders finished 1-4 at the UNLV Tournament after losing to Central Michigan, 8-5 on Sunday morning at the Desert Breeze Complex in Las Vegas, NV.

Central Michigan jumped to a big lead early, scoring one in the first and five in the second. The Highlanders tried to mount a comeback by scoring three in the fifth, all on a double by Karli Burneleit, but the Chippewas answered with two in the bottom half of the inning.

Riverside added a run in the sixth as Kristen Hernandez scored on a Kiara Burneleit sacrafice fly. In the seventh, Karli Burneleit hit a solo homerun to cap the scoring for the Highlanders. Burneleit went 3-for-3 with a double, homerun and four RBI on the day.

Highlander pitchers were plagued by errors as Monique Baeza gave up six runs - one earned - on five hits in 1.2 innings. Jessica Gandara came in and gave up two unearned runs on three hits in 4.1 innings.

UCR Split At UNLV Tourney
(2/16/02) - The Highlanders fell to #4 Louisiana State University 4-3 but came back to defeat Portland State 3-2 on the second day of play at the UNLV tournament in Las Vegas, NV.

The Tigers put up a run in the second and third, and two in the fourth and sixth. Christy Connor did most of the damage, driving in four runs while going 4-for-4.

UCR pitchers gave up 11 hits, six runs - five earned - and struck out three. Tiger pitcher Sarah Meadors pitched six innings, allowing only two hits and striking out four. However, the Highlanders got a run off of reliever Leslie Barron as pinch runner Dawn Livramento scored in the bottom of the seventh.

In game two, Highlander pitcher Jenell Jackson allowed only two runs - none earned - on nine hits. All of the runs in the game were scored on errors with four for the Vikings and two on the Highlanders.

UCR opened the scoring with one in the second and two in the sixth to take an a 3-0 lead but Portland mounted a comeback, getting two in the top of the seventh but it was not enough as the Highlanders held on for the win.

Karli Burneleit went 2-for-3, scoring two runs while Livramento scored the other, pinch running for Colby Kelly.

UCR Drops Two At UNLV Tourney
(February 15, 2002) - The UC Riverside dropped their opening two games at the UNLV Softball classic to Kent State, 4-2 and California 3-0 at the Desert Breeze Softball Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the opener, Kent State (1-0) scored two runs in the first and one in the second on three UC Riverside errors. The Golden Flashes added another run in the fifth, but the Highlanders tried to come back scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth as Brandy Chavez singled home Kiara Burneleit and Suzzanne Dallas. However, Riverside would not pose another threat as Kent pitcher Kate Leary allowed only five hits and one earned run. Highlander pitcher Monique Baeza was equally strong, giving up only three hits and one earned run.

The Highlanders faced #5 Cal in game two but Bear pitcher Jenn Deering shoutout Riverside on four hits while striking out five. The Highlanders only scoring threat was gunned down as Kristen Morley threw out Kiara Burneleit at the plate after a triple by Suzzanne Dallas. The Golden Bears (5-4) got a run in the second and added two insurance runs in the fourth. UCR pitcher Jenell Jackson gave up three earned runs on seven hits in six innings.

UCR Falls To #3 Stanford, 13-5
(February 14, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders scored five runs in two innings to come within three runs of the Stanford Cardinals, but the Cardinals answered back with an additional five runs of their own in the top of the fifth, winning the game 13-5 in a five inning mercy rule game.

Pitcher Jessica Gandara started the game off strong, facing only three batters in the first inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. However, the Cardinals blew the game open in the second inning, scoring eight runs on four hits. Cardinal centerfielder Jessica Mendoza hit a grand slam to right center field, driving in four runs. Kira Ching added a home run two batters later.

In the third inning, Maureen LaCocq replaced Cardinal starting pitcher Tori Nyberg. LaCocq proceeded to walk four straight batters, scoring Highlander shortstop Kristen Hernandez. Suzanne Dallas singled to right field, scoring two runs, bringing the score to 8-3.

The Highlanders tacked on two more runs in the fourth as Kiara Burneleit singled to centerfield, scoring pinch runner Dawn Livramento, and Hernandez stole home on a double steal play.

However, UCR could not hold the Cardinals, as Stanford took advantage of three Highlander errors, scoring five more runs in the fifth. Karli Burneleit walked to get on base for UCR in the fifth, but she was not able to score, allowing the Cardinals to win 13-5 because of the mercy rule.

Highlights for the Highlanders include Dallas going 1 for 3 with two RBI and Kiara Burneleit going 1 for 1 with an RBI. Sarah Smallwood also got an RBI as she walked in the first run of the game for the Highlanders.

Gandara (0-1) was credited with the loss, allowing eight runs, six of them earned, on five hits, striking out one and walking two. Jenell Jackson replaced Gandara in the bottom of the second, giving up five unearned runs on five hits, striking out one and walking four.

Cardinal pitcher Tori Nyberg (3-0) earns the win, striking out four batters, giving up no hits or runs in three innings.

UCR Falls To ARK, LMU at LB Tourney
(February 10, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped their last two games at the Long Beach State tournament 4-1 to Arkansas and 1-0 to Loyola Marymount on Sunday afternoon at Mayfair Park in Long Beach, CA.

The Razorbacks (9-2) jumped out to a quick 3-0 on three unearned runs in the top of the first inning. The Highlanders (2-5) got a run back in the bottom of the first as Allison Solis scored on an error by Courtney Mitchell. Arkansas tacked on one more run in the top of the second as Mitchell had an RBI single, scoring Blair Woodward. UCR pitcher Monique Baeza gave up only one earned run on four hits in seven innings while Razorback pitcher Heather Schlichtman threw 6.2 innings in relief of Rachel Talley. Schlichtman gave up only two hits and no runs, striking out seven.

In the final game of the tournament, Loyola Marymount (5-6) scored the only run in the bottom of the fourth when Ashley Hunt singled home pinch runner Lauren Hiramato. UCR pitcher Jenell Jackson went the distance, giving up one run on six hits, but Lion pitcher Sami Stinz threw a shutout, scattering only four hits and striking out five.

Highlanders Drop Two At LB Tourney
(February 9, 2002) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped two games on Saturday at the Long Beach State tournament, falling to Arkansas, 4-2 and Long Beach, 2-0.

The Highlanders (2-3) took the early lead on Brandy Chavez sacrafice fly to left, driving in Sarah Smallwood who reached on an error by Blair Woodward. The Razorbacks answered with a run in bottom of the third, but UCR again took the lead in the top of the fourth when pinch runner Dawn Livramento scored on a throwing error by first baseman Kim Eiben. Arkansas took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the fourth as Eiben made up for the error with a single to center, scoring two runs.

In game two, the Highlanders (2-4) were shutout by 49er pitcher Meredith Cervenka, giving up only one hit and striking out five. The lone Riverside hit was by Smallwood in the seventh inning. UCR pitcher Monique Baeza pitched well, giving up two runs in the bottom of the sixth on three hits.

Highlanders Get Opening Day Split At LB Tourney
(2/8/02) - Allison Solis singled to left to score Kristen Hernandez in the top of the ninth inning as the UC Riverside Highlanders defeated Loyola Marymount, 3-2 in their opening game of the Long Beach State Tournament, giving the Highlanders a split on the first day of action.

In the fourth inning, the Highlanders (2-1) opened the scoring as Suzzanne Dallas scored on a fielder's choice by Karli Burneleit, but the Lions (3-3) answered back with two unearned runs in the second, to take a 2-1 lead.

The Highlanders were down to their final out in the seventh when Dallas reached on an error by shortstop Jessica Grassi, scoring Kiara Burneleit from second. The international tiebreaker was implemented in the eighth but Riverside ended the game, scoring in the top of the ninth on Solis' single. Jenell Jackson got her second win of the season, pitching all nine innings, giving up two unearned runs on seven hits and striking out four.

In game two, Long Beach (5-2) scored four runs in the first inning and pitcher Lindsey Knoff held the Highlanders to one run on seven hits to give the host 49ers a 4-1 win. The Highlanders only run came in the fifth inning on a fielder's choice by Sarah Smallwood, scoring Andrea Cunningham from third.

Highlanders Split Season Opener With Hawaii
(2/6/02)-The UC Riverside Highlanders scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning of game two to pull ahead of the Wahine 4-3, giving UCR a split in the season opening double header against the University of Hawaii.

Both the Highlanders and the Wahines put up six scoreless innings of softball in game one of the two game matchup. Stacey Porter homered to centerfield in the top of the seventh inning for Hawaii, scoring Kate Judd who singled to left to lead off the inning. Brandy Chavez led off the bottom of the seventh with a double to centerfield. Chavez came around to score as Kristin Hernandez went to first base on an error by Wahine shortstop Kate Judd, giving the Highlanders a run.

However that run would not be enough as the Wahine got out of the seventh inning, winning game one 2-1. Monique Baeza (1-0) pitched all seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out one batter. Baeza's counterpart, Sheri Oronoz, also pitched a complete game, giving up one, which was unearned, and three hits, striking out one.

The Wahines struck first in game two, as Stacie Hirano scored on a single by Stacey Porter. Porter then scored on a passed ball, giving the Wahines the 2-0 lead, but UCR rallied back as Karli Burneleit scored in the fourth on an Andrea Cunningham single. Sarah Smallwood tripled in the fifth, scoring on a Suzanne Dallas sacrifice to left, tying up the score 2-2. Natalie Gonzales scored in the sixth to add one more run to the Wahines total.

The bottom of the seventh proved to be exciting as the Highlanders charged back with two runs. Cunningham started of the innings with a single to second, advancing to second on an Allison Solis sacrifice bunt. Kiara Burneleit reached second on a two base error by the rightfielder, advancing pinch runner Baeza to third. With two outs, Dallas singled, scoring two runs to give the Highlanders the 4-3 over the Wahine. Jenell Jackson recorded her first season win, giving up three unearned runs on four hits and striking out two batters.