LAS VEGAS - The Notre Dame softball team opened its 2000 season with a pair of wins Friday afternoon in first day action of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Tournament. The Irish (2-0) defeated Portland State 5-3 and then blanked Southern Utah 8-0 in five innings.

Against Portland State, Notre Dame pitcher Jennifer Sharron (Agoura Hills, Calif.) picked up the win after allowing just four hits in seven innings and logging 10 strikeouts. Sharron was helped offensively by sophomore outfielder Jennifer Kriech (Indianapolis, Ind.), who was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, and junior shortstop Melanie Alkire (Union City, Calif.), who added a run and an RBI. Irish junior Sarah Kirkman (Kokomo, Ind.) scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning on a throwing error by Portland State catcher Gina Papasadero after entering the game as a pinch runner for Sharron.

In the Southern Utah game, the Irish combined for eight runs on nine hits, while the Thunderbirds committed four errors. Notre Dame pitchers sophomore Michelle Moschel (Naples, Fla.) and Alkire combined to shutout Southern Utah, giving up just two hits and striking out eight. Alkire helped her own effort in the game, hitting her first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom of the fourth inning. Overall, the Irish scored four runs in the first, two in the second and two in the fourth.

Second day tournament action continues Saturday, Feb. 19, when Notre Dame faces Oregon and UC Santa Barbara, while the Irish finish up Sunday, Feb. 20, with a game versus Utah.

Friday, Feb. 18
Notre Dame 5, Portland St. 3

WP - Jennifer Sharron (1-0) LP - Kelly Riskey (0-1)

Game Two
Notre Dame 8, Southern Utah 0 (5)

                                  R H E
Southern Utah    0 0 0 0 0    -   0 2 4
Notre Dame       4 2 0 2 X    -   8 9 0

WP - Michelle Moschel (1-0)
LP - Renee Hierbrink (0-2)