LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV softball (2-1) scored six runs in three straight innings to defeat Syracuse (1-3) on Saturday night in the Sportco Kick Off Classic. Janine Petmecky hit her first homerun in the bottom of the third inning to give the Rebels the winning run.

The Rebels scored their first run of the game in the second inning with the ball not leaving the infield. Kwyn Cooper reached base on a throwing error with one out and went to second on a fielder's choice by Courtney Beavers. Madison Rogers singled to second base, which allowed Cooper to score on the run. Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez executed a bunt just in front of the pitcher for a single, but Jamie DePippo was not able to lay down a bunt for a hit as well after her and got thrown out at first.

Syracuse cut its deficit to one run in the fourth, but UNLV put the game out of reach during its turn at the plate in the inning by taking advantage of defensive mistakes. Cooper singled through the left side after the third baseman and shortstop both thought the other would field it. Beavers replaced Cooper at first on a fielder's choice to the shortstop that led to the force out at second. Beavers stole second, and then Madison Rogers earned a walk. Yadao-Valdez laid down a second successful bunt single through the right side of the infield that allowed Beavers to score from second. DePippo's ground ball in the next at-bat allowed Rogers to score for the second run of the inning. The Rebels loaded the bases up after Myranda Bueno was hit by a pitch and Petmecky reached on an error. Emily Haslinger then singled up the middle to bring home Bueno and Yadao-Valdez for the final two runs of the game.

The Orange could only muster one hit in the last three innings of the game. Alyssa Batastini retired the side in the seventh inning in her first collegiate action. Janine Petmecky started her second game of the season and went 3.2 innings with three hits, one run and two walks allowed with three strikeouts. Morgan Ettinger (2-0) relieved her in the fourth inning and only allowed two base runners to get on base on a hit and hit by pitch for 2.1 scoreless innings with one strikeout to earn the win.

Yadao-Valdez and Petmecky both had two hits in three at-bats. Petmecky is now 7-9 through the opening weekend with a double and homerun.

After appearing in the first two games as a pinch runner or defensive substitution, Beavers had her first start as a Rebel. Kylie Rasmussen made her collegiate debut as a pinch runner in the sixth inning.

UNLV will take on Utah Valley (1-3) on Sunday at 3:45 p.m. The Wolverine Green beat South Dakota 14-6 (5 innings) and lost to Lamar 14-6 (6 innings) at Stephanie Lynn Craig Park.