Feb. 11, 2016 Box Score
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV (0-1) softball dropped its 2016 season opener in the Sportco Kick Off Classic to Texas Tech (1-0) 7-3 on Thursday night at Eller Media Stadium. The Red Raiders scored three runs in the top of the fourth inning to seize a lead they never gave up.
After a scoreless first three innings, Texas Tech scored three runs despite the ball never leaving the infield. A squeeze bunt by Brooke Scott allowed Ashley Fultz to score from third base for the first run of the game. A fielder's choice knocked in the second run, and then Scott followed that with a stolen base at home plate.
Texas Tech added two more runs in the sixth inning before UNLV scored its first runs of the season. Myranda Bueno doubled to right center to lead off the inning. After a Janine Petmecky walk, Emily Haslinger knocked in both runners with a triple to right center. With one out, Kwyn Cooper hit the ball over the pitcher's head into centerfield to allow Petmecky to trot in for a third run. With runners at first and third, Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez lined out to third to end the inning.
The Red Raiders put the game out of reach in the seventh inning. Karli Hamilton's hit a two-run homerun for her first career hit to give Texas Tech a four run lead.
The Rebels attempted a late rally in the bottom of the seventh inning. Bueno and Petmecky both singled with one out, but Haslinger grounded into a double play at third base to end the game.
Petmecky was the starting pitcher and lasted four innings with three strikeouts, five walks, five hits and three earned runs. Cooper, the starting first baseman, switched positions with Petmecky in the fifth inning and allowed four earned runs on five hits.
Bueno and Petmecky led the way on offense for the Rebels. Bueno had two hits, including a double, and one run in her first collegiate start. Petmecky tied her career-high for hits with three and had her first triple in collegiate action.
UNLV's Madison Rogers made her first collegiate start at second base. Junior transfer Courtney Beavers made her first appearance as a Rebel, pinch-running for Chrissi Omalza in the sixth inning.
UNLV will look for the first win of 2016 tomorrow night against Lamar in the final game of Friday night's portion of the Sportco Kick Off Classic. The night game is scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m.
