LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV softball began the day by extending its winning streak to six games for the program's first 6-0 start, but saw that same streak come to a close by the end of the afternoon.

In game one of the day, the Rebels outlasted Utah Valley, using a pair of fifth-inning runs to dispatch the Wolverines in a 2-0 shutout victory - their second over UVU this season. Game two featured another pitcher's duel, but this time it was the RedHawks of Miami-Ohio with the late-game magic as a sixth-inning home run handed the Rebels a 1-0 loss - their first defeat of the year.

After averaging eight runs per game over the first five games, the Rebel offense was stymied Friday as it was held to two runs on 13 hits over the two games, including its first shutout. Despite the struggles, UNLV came through when it needed to against UVU and had chances late to rally against the RedHawks.

The pitching staff was the star of the day, with freshman Jenny Bressler and sophomore Breana Burke combining to pitch 13 scoreless frames with 14 strikeouts. Bressler picked up her fourth win of the season in her third complete game performance, marking her second shutout win over the Wolverines this year. 

GAME 1: UNLV 2 Utah Valley 0

THE TURNING POINT: After four and a half scoreless frames, junior Reina Bondi led off the the bottom of the fifth with a single to centerfield, then swiped her eighth stolen base of the year to get in scoring position. Fellow junior Lauren Tycksen, the reigning Mountain West Player of the Week, was up next and sent another single to center that brought home the speedy Bondi and broke the scoreless tie. After a Justine Federe single moved Tycksen to second, sophomore Mia Trejo sent a single through the left side to score Tycksen and make it 2-0.

STAT OF THE GAME: Despite getting held to two runs, the Rebels still managed to tally 11 hits in the game, led by a 3-for-3 day from junior Justine Federe.

REBEL OF THE GAME: Bressler was again outstanding in her third start of the year, shutting down UVU with a career-high eight strikeouts in 7.0 scoreless innings. The Wolverines scattered seven hits over the seven innings, but Bressler had a knack for the inning-ending strikeout to end any scoring threats. 

GAME 2: Miami (Ohio) 1 UNLV 0    

THE TURNING POINT: The second pitcher's duel of the day was between Burke and the Miami's Brianna Pratt. Both were cruising along until the six inning, when RedHawk second baseman Jenny Velasquez sent a shot to center that the wind helped carry over the second fence for break up the scoreless tie. The Rebels had a couple of chances in the bottom of the sixth and seventh with runners in scoring position, but couldn't capitalize.

STAT OF THE GAME: UNLV was shutout for the first time all season, while its two hits were also a season-low.

REBEL OF THE GAME: Despite getting tagged with the loss, Burke was outstanding, giving up just the one home run on nine hits in her second complete game-performance this year. Her six strikeouts matched her career high from a year ago, when she also struck out six against Valparaiso on March 4 in Phoenix.

UP NEXT: UNLV will have another double header Saturday at the Boyd Gaming Rebel Classic, taking on Georgetown at 1 p.m. and Weber State at 3 p.m. at Eller Media Stadium.

REBEL NOTES:
* This is the first annual Boyd Gaming Rebel Classic
* The Rebels went 20-for-20 on stolen bases to start the season before that streak came to an end in the sixth inning against Utah Valley when Myranda Bueno was thrown out trying to steal. 
* For the season, the Rebels are 21 of 22 on stolen bases after stealing just 31 all of last season. Juniors Reina Bondi and Lauren Tycksen lead the way as they are a combined 14-for-14
* The top of the lineup produced against Utah Valley as hitters 1-2-3 went 6-for-10 (.600) with two runs scored, one RBI and one stolen base