Cedar City, Utah - March 9, 2010 - Southern Utah softball finished strong in the Eller Media Classic hosted by UNLV. The T-Birds dropped the first three games to New Mexico State, Portland State, and California, before rallying to take the final two games from instate rival Weber State.

SUU weathered a lightening delayed Saturday night affair. The score was 1-0, Wildcats when play was suspended in the top of the third inning. After a one-hour break, the Thunderbirds scored nine unanswered runs to take the 9-1 win. On Sunday, the same two teams met. The Thunderbirds pounded out 14 hits, including a two-run blast-the first of the season for Darleen Fernandez.

Fernandez led the Summit League in home runs last season with 13.

Southern Utah was the only team at the Eller Media Classic not to meet up with host UNLV. SUU returns on Wednesday to Vegas for a double-header with the Rebels.

The Wednesday match-up will feature the first intercollegiate meeting between twin sisters Kara Bendt of Southern Utah, and Tara Bendt of UNLV. The sisters played together at Salt Lake Community College, before transferring to UNLV. Pitcher Kara redshirted with a shoulder injury while with the Rebels, and transferred to Southern Utah before this season.

Tara plays outfield for UNLV and is batting .415, with 8 RBI. Southern Utah returns to Cedar City Friday and Saturday to open Summit League play against South Dakota State. Friday's double-header begins at 1:00pm. The three-game series concludes on Saturday, with a 12:00 noon start time.

See complete release for SUU leaders and stat update.