Feb. 10, 2015 LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Junior Joey Armstrong was the lone UNLV baseball representative on the 2015 Mountain West Preseason All-Conference Team, the league announced on Tuesday. It is the second consecutive year that Armstrong has earned the honor, which was voted on by the league's coaches.
The California native was UNLV's primary centerfielder last season. He hit .302 as a sophomore and played in 51 of the Rebels' 61 games. Armstrong's four home runs last year ranked as the second most on the team and he drew 28 walks, which ranked as the second most. The entire team is listed below.
The conference also announced its annual preseason poll. The Rebels split the regular season title with New Mexico in 2014 and the Lobos were projected to win the league again in 2015. They collected 30 total points, including three first place votes. San Diego State won the MW tournament last season and the Aztecs were tabbed to take second with 28 points. UNLV garnered two first place votes, but tied for third with Nevada, Reno at 25 points. The Wolf Pack also picked up a first place vote. Fresno State collected the final first place vote and was picked fifth with 22 points. Air Force and San Jose State round out the conference preseason poll with 10 points and 7 points, respectively.
The Rebels open their season on Friday against No. 23 Nebraska at 6:05 p.m. PT. The two teams will also face off on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. PT and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT. Fans can listen to all three games between the Rebels and the Huskers, as Dug Dugless will have the call on Sports Radio 920 The Game. The games will also be streamed online at UNLVRebels.com
This season at Earl E. Wilson Stadium, fans will enjoy a new and improved concession stand. Smoken Sams catering will be providing entrees that range from barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers to nachos, chicken fingers and fries. A variety of beverages will also be available. During the Nebraska series, UNLV students can enjoy a free barbecue sandwich when showing their student I.D.
Fans can purchase their tickets to the games online and save money. Visit UNLVtickets.com to purchase a ticket for just $5 and select the "Free Will-Call" option. The deal expires three hours before the first pitch of every home game. Prices for individual games are $8 for adults, $6 for faculty/staff and seniors and $4 for groups of 15 or more (group tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance for the game). Children 12 and under and UNLV students with a valid student I.D. are free.
2015 MOUNTAIN WEST COACHES PRESEASON POLL
Rank Team (1st-place votes) Points
1. New Mexico (3) 30
2. San Diego State 28
3. UNLV (2) 25
Nevada (1) 25
5. Fresno State (1) 22
6. Air Force 10
7. San José State 7
2015 MOUNTAIN WEST PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
Position Name, Class Institution
C Taylor Ward, Jr. Fresno State
1B Austin Byler, Sr. Nevada
2B Sam Haggerty, Jr. New Mexico
3B Ty France, Jr. San Diego State
SS Jared Holley, Jr. New Mexico
OF Tyler Jones, So. Air Force
OF Kewby Meyer, Sr. Nevada
OF Joey Armstrong, Jr. UNLV
UT/DH Trenton Brooks, So. Nevada
Danny Collier, So. New Mexico
P Bubba Derby, Jr. San Diego State
P Kalei Contrades, Sr. San José State
