LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) â€" Michael Palmer â€" UNLV Athletic Communications Assistant

Payton Squier has been a key asset for the UNLV baseball program since joining the team in 2015. As a freshman he's accomplished many notable achievements including leading the squad in at-bats (223), runs (36), hits (64), triples (three) sacrifice flies (six) and stolen bases (11). He started 54 of 56 contests, with 33 starts at second base, 19 at third base and two as the designated hitter.

That torrid trend has carried over into his sophomore campaign. His hot start began early in the season when he recorded a hit in 17 of his first 19 games, which included a 10-game hitting streak. He also reached base safely in 18 consecutive games. On Monday, Squier hit his first career home run at San Diego.

"The guys were always giving me a really hard time, especially last year," Squier said. "It just felt great to finally get one over the wall."

Being one of the top offensive players on the team is important for the Phoenix, Ariz. native because he wants to be able to help his teammates with their approach.

"I try to help the younger guys like Kyle Isbel and Nick Ames, working with them and showing them what college baseball is like. College baseball is a lot different from high school and I just want to help those guys with the transition."

Last season, Squier started the season at third base but then moved to second base after Justin Jones suffered a season-ending injury. He was comfortable with the move after having played second base as a prepster. With the return of Jones, Squier was on the move again, but this time he moved to the outfield. All of his 31 starts this season have come in left field.

Coming out of high school Squier was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 39th round of the 2014 MLB draft, which was an honor for him, but the decision to attend UNLV was easy an one.

"I just wanted to experience college," he said. "It's always a good time to meet new people, grow up a little bit and learn how to live on your own. When I came on my official visit, I really loved the people here and the guys that were on my recruiting trip, including my host, former Rebel Joey Armstrong. The bond between everyone when I was here for my trip really impressed me and I wanted to be a part of it."

Squier has proven that hard work on the baseball field is just as important as in the classroom. He understands that managing school and baseball can be tough, having all online classes and often doing homework on road trips, but it's just a matter of getting the job done and time management that makes the difference for Squier.

The Rebels are 12-20, 5-10 in conference play. They were picked to finish fifth in the Mountain West Conference, but Squier is optimistic about his team down the stretch.

"As long as we finish games, we should be in contention for the Mountain West championship. We just need to keep going with the game and not give up, keep fighting and hopefully pull some out," Squier said. "Hopefully, we'll start winning more games and when we do, we'll be hot going into conference play and see what we can do. I think we're talented enough to compete with anyone in the conference and in the country."

The Rebels return to Earl E. Wilson Stadium this weekend and resume Mountain West play by hosting a three-game series against Air Force.