LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team wrapped up a stellar first weekend of 2019 with an 11-3 six-inning win over Southern Utah in Sunday's finale of the Marucci Desert Classic. The UNLV offense took control early at Eller Media Stadium, scoring six runs over the first two innings and never looked back. The run-rule win was the Rebels' third of the weekend.

The 5-0 start for UNLV is its best since 2007 and marks just the third time in the program's 35-year history the Rebels have gone unbeaten through the first five games. The Scarlet and Gray have never started 6-0.

UNLV's offense has been explosive to open 2019 as the Rebels scored six or more runs in each game with a total of 43 overall. They finished the weekend batting .364 as a team with 12 different players registering hits. The defense has picked up where it left off last year when UNLV recorded its best-ever fielding percentage, making just two errors all weekend, while the pitching staff was consistent and made pitches in key moments. 

THE TURNING POINT: Like it has all weekend, the Rebels offense put pressure on its opponent early, scoring in the first inning for the fifth straight game. Leadoff hitter Reina Bondi singled, stole second, advanced to third on a Lauren Tycksen groundout then took home on a double steal after Justine Federe was walked. After another pair of walks, a Samantha Diaz RBI infield single scored a second run and a passed ball brought a third run in for the 3-0 lead. UNLV added three more in the second to all but secure the victory.

CO-REBELS OF THE GAME: Bondi, a Mountain West All-Conference second team performer a year ago, has had a productive start to her junior campaign. Against the Thunderbirds, the right fielder went 1-for-4 with three runs scored, one RBI and three stolen bases to spark the offense. Freshman Paxton Scheurer, making a third start at designated hitter, had her best game of the weekend, going 3-for-3 with three RBI and one walk.

STAT OF THE GAME: UNLV went 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts in the game, capping a perfect 17-17 weekend swiping bases.

QUOTABLES: 
On the success this weekend:
"The team had a lot of good energy, people stepped up in different situations and were ready to go. We have a little more depth this year, so there are going to be more opportunities for people to step up. I just really liked our team chemistry and how we stuck together and played with a lot of confidence. That first game we were a little nervous, but we were able to put that behind us and move forward."

On the freshman performing well:
"I think the upper classmen did a good job of helping prepare our underclassmen and our underclassmen were recruited here to help us win, so for them to come in and do that right off the bat is a good sign for us."
- Head coach Kristie Fox

UP NEXT: UNLV will be back at Eller Media Stadium for a second straight weekend to host the Boyd Gaming Rebel Classic, Feb. 14-17. The Rebels will kick off the weekend Thursday at 3 p.m. against Fordham.

REBEL NOTES: 
* UNLV now leads the all-time series over Southern Utah 36-12
* Breana Burke pitched her first complete game, giving up three runs on 4 hits for her first win of the season
* The Rebels success came in part to their ability to strike early, with 19 of their 43 runs this weekend coming in the first three innings
* UNLV was also patient at the plate, drawing 22 walks in five games
* UNLV did not get picked off in 17 stolen bases attempts, led by Bondi, who is a perfect 7-for-7, and Tycksen, who went 5-for-5
* UNLV will have a chance to start the season 6-0 for the first time in program history Thursday against Fordham
* Juniors Reina Bondi and Lauren Tycksen have been a lethal 1-2 punch at the top of lineup, combining to go 17-for-31 (.548) with 20 runs scored and seven RBI through five games
* The freshmen were impressive in their Rebel debuts this weekend with all six seeing game action, and four - Jenny Bressler, Paxton Scheurer, Julia Vollmer and Lauryn Barker - making two or more starts. At the plate, the freshman combined to go 9-for-31 (.290) with seven runs scored, eight RBI and two home runs
* Bressler, the 2018 Michigan GatoraDe Player of the Year, was stellar going 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA, giving up 11 hits in 15.2 innings pitched with two complete-game performances
* Barker had big shoes to fill at third base after the graduation of Jade Yadao-Valdez, but proved she's up to the task as she was solid on the hot corner all weekend and did not commit an error
* The Rebels began their 35th season this weekend and hosted a home tournament for the 15th straight year