LAS VEGAS, Nev. (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Softball saw its offense go cold against Boise State in the series opener Friday night at Eller Media Stadium, falling 5-1 to the Broncos to move to 19-16 overall and 2-5 in Mountain West play. BSU scored in four-straight innings to build a five-run lead while the Rebels managed just one hit through the first six before avoiding a second-straight shutout in the seventh.

Senior Morgan Ettinger made her 19th start in the circle and recorded her career-high 11th complete-game, but she was hit with her eighth-straight loss to move to 12-10 on the year. After a scoreless first inning, the Broncos picked up one run in the second after a leadoff double came around to score on a single and groundout RBI. The visitors picked up another run in the third on a two BSU singles and a double, then added two more in the fourth when two singles, a stolen base and two Rebel errors led to a pair of runs. The Broncos tacked on their last run in the top of the fifth after a leadoff hit, a stolen base and another UNLV error allowed the leadoff batter to make it around the bases and cross home plate.

Ettinger held the Broncos scoreless over the final two frames to record the complete game. Only two of the five runs she allowed were earned, while she recorded just one walk and had two more strikeouts to give her 80 on the year - also a new career high.

The Rebels entered the seventh having managed just one hit over the previous six innings, but thanks to a trio of pinch hitters they were able to ruin Boise State's shutout bid. Chrissi Omalza pinch hit for Myranda Bueno and sent the ball in the left center gap for a two-out double, which was followed by an infield single by freshman Charlie Masterson, who had stepped to the plate in place of Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez. The third pinch-hitter, freshman Mara Kemmer, then knocked a hit in the hole to short that the shortstop ran down, but not in time to get Kemmer at first and in turn allowed Bueno to score. That was all they would get as the rally chance was cut short with a Reina Bondi pop up to third.

The Scarlet & Gray will try to even the series in game two on Saturday at Eller Media Stadium. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. on military appreciation night.

-UNLV-