LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV softball team (2-1) suffered its first loss of 2021, falling 8-2 against the second-ranked Huskies on day two of the Rebel Kickoff at Eller Media Stadium. A day that started with a marathon 19-13 game between the Huskies and Southern Utah and saw a long weather delay ended with the Rebels' second scheduled game against Dixie State being postponed until Sunday afternoon.

The Rebel offense that exploded for 18 runs on 15 hits, including five home runs, on opening day was stymied by Husky pitchers Kelley Lynch and Gabbie Plain as UNLV managed just two runs on five hits against the pair. Senior shortstop Samantha Diaz stayed hot, accounting for both UNLV runs with a two-run home run to center in the fourth, marking three blasts - all multi-run shots - in the last two games.

Junior Jenny Bressler (1-1) got the start on a cold and blustery night at Eller Media, allowing four runs on seven hits in 3.0 innings pitched for her first loss of the year. Freshmen Kaylie Northrop and Jenna Perez each made relief appearances, with Northrop giving up four runs on one hit in 1.1 innings pitched and Perez finishing out the game allowing one hit over the final 2.2 frames.

Washington was the highest ranked opponent the Rebels have faced since they took on the then-No. 1 Huskies in Las Vegas in March of 2018.

UP NEXT: The Rebel Kickoff wraps up on Sunday with Washington and Dixie State facing off at 9 a.m. Following that contest, UNLV will play a doubleheader, taking on Southern Utah at 11 a.m. and Dixie State immediately after.