LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV softball team (2-0) couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2021 campaign as the Rebels put on an offensive show in routes of Southern Utah and Dixie State at the opening day of the Rebel Kickoff at Eller Media Stadium.
UNLV made quick work of both the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers, besting Southern Utah 10-2 in five innings in game one and Dixie State 8-0 in five innings in the night cap. The long ball was the Rebels' best friend Friday as the Scarlet and Gray blasted five home runs over the two games - all of the multi-run variety.
The home runs came from the usual suspects as returners Mia Trejo, Justine Federe and Samantha Diaz all sent the ball over the wall, but a new face also made it into the mix as freshman Janyssa Martin blasted a two-run shot against Dixie State in her first collegiate at-bat. The other three were impressive in their blasts as well with Trejo's three-run bomb coming on her first at-bat of the season, Federe clearing the bases with her first career grand slam and Diaz connecting for a two-run dinger and a walk-off three-run home run in her final two at-bats against Dixie State.
The pitching staff picked up where it left off a season ago, allowing just two runs on five hits in 10 innings pitched over the two contests, which included Charlie Masterson throwing a five-inning shutout against the Trailblazers Friday night.
Game 1 Recap (UNLV vs. Southern Utah): The Rebel offense jumped all over the Thunderbirds in the first frame. After sophomore Maddie Schmidt drew a leadoff walk and senior Lauren Tycksen followed with a single, Trejo left no doubt with one swing of the bat, launching the ball over the wall in right center to put UNLV up 3-0. The very next frame, a Lauryn Barker walk, Maddie Schmidt double and a Mia Trejo walk loaded the bases, bringing up the Rebels' top offensive returner - Federe. With no choice but to pitch to her, Federe made them pay with the grand slam to left to make it 7-0 after two. The senior, who was able to return for final season after 2020 was cut short, wasn't done yet. Her fourth-inning single up the middle scored two more, giving her six RBIs in the game, while UNLV's final run to take it to double digits came on a wild pitch in the same inning. Starter Jenny Bressler picked up the win throwing four frames - her only blemish a solo home run in the fourth - while freshman Jenna Perez made her Rebel debut, notching three strikeouts in a one-run frame to end the game.
Game 2 Recap (UNLV vs. Dixie State): In game two, the offense again took advantage of opportunities early. After Alyssa Trejo led off the inning with a double and eventually reached third with two outs, the inning looked like it would end scoreless with a routine fly to left by Diaz, but Dixie State dropped the ball and the error allowed Trejo to score from third. Next up was the freshman Martin, who made her first career start in right field, and she brought home Diaz on an opposite field two-run home run. Fast forward to the fourth with UNLV leading 3-0. Barker drew a leadoff walk and Diaz made them regret it with a deep ball just inside the left field foul post to make it 5-0. In her very next at-bat in the fifth inning, she came to the plate with two on and ended the game with one swing of the bat. Senior Charlie Masterson was her solid self, notching the five-inning shutout, allowing just two hits for her first win of the season.
UP NEXT: The Rebel Kickoff continues Saturday with four more games on the slate, beginning at 10 a.m. with Washington against Southern Utah. UNLV will again play the final two games in the evening, beginning with No. 2 Washington at 3 p.m. It will be a tough test for the Rebels in this young season as the Huskies are the highest ranked opponent they will face since they played No. 1 Washington in 2018.
