LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV softball team rebounded from a tough road trip last weekend in a big way, beating Boise State (5-11, 0-2) twice Saturday at Eller Media Stadium via walk-off wins on the opening weekend of Mountain West play. The Rebels took game one 2-1 thanks to a suicide squeeze score from sophomore Maddie Schmidt, then scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh - capped by a Schmidt RBI infield single to score the game winner - for the 6-5 win in game two.
The victories ended a four-game skid, helping UNLV improve to 13-8 overall and start 2-0 in conference play. The Rebels have now started conference play with a series win in every year under head coach Kristie Fox, while the last two league-opening series wins have come against the Broncos in Las Vegas (no conference games were played in 2020 covid-shortened season). UNLV has a chance to sweep its Mountain West opener for the first time under Fox on Sunday.
Schmidt, who has been a steady force in the leadoff spot, had a day for herself, going 4-for-9 (.444), scoring three runs - including the winning score in game one - and driving in the game-winner in the game two comeback. The speedy Schmidt also showed off her defense in game two, tracking down a foul ball in left and diving to make the catch and the out in a sportscenter worthy play.
Freshman Janyssa Martin also came up big, especially in the game two win, driving in two runs and scoring another two runs as part of a 3-for-4 day at the plate.
Junior Jenny Bressler was outstanding in the start in game one, picking up her sixth win of the season after a complete-game, seven-strikeout performance, while freshmen Jenna Perez and Jasmine Martin combined for 3.2 innings of relief to hold the Bronco offense at bay and keep the Rebels within striking distance.
Game 1 Recap: The opening game of the day was a pitcher's duel with UNLV finally breaking through in the bottom of the third. Schmidt singled with one out to start the rally and make it into scoring position at third on a stolen base and fly out. With two outs, junior Denise Armendariz delivered with a RBI single through the right side to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead. The Broncos were able to tie it up at one in the top of the sixth and the Rebels came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh with the opportunity to end it. No surprise, Schmidt led off with a single to center, stole second and then reached third on a sacrifice bunt. With one out and senior Justine Federe at the plate, Federe laid down a bunt and Schmidt took off for home simultaneously. The Boise State pitcher tossed the ball to home, but Schmidt beat the tag and the game was over.
Game 2 Recap: The Broncos jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first, which included a two-run home run. The Rebels chipped away at the lead as Schmidt scored on a RBI single by freshman Janyssa Martin to make it 3-1 after the opening frame. The Broncos made it 4-1 in the third, but UNLV got the run back in the fourth after Janyssa Martin doubled and fellow freshman Jasmine Martin brought her home with a RBI single deep in hole past second base. UNLV cut the lead to 4-3 in the next inning when Armendariz brought Lauren Tycksen home from second on a RBI double to the gap in left center. In the bottom of the sixth, the Rebels loaded bases with no outs and couldn't get the game-tying run across the plate, but they'd get another chance in the bottom of the seventh. Boise had added an insurance run in the top half of the final frame, so UNLV now needed two runs to tie and three runs to win. Federe led off with a single and Armendariz walked to put two on with no outs. Janyssa Martin then delivered with a single through the left side to cut the Boise State lead to 5-4. After Samantha Diaz was a hit by a pitch to load the bases, freshman Jasmine Martin sent a long flyout to left field that allowed Armendariz to score and tie it at five all. With two outs and the bases still loaded, it was only fitting that the day's hero, Schmidt, was up to bat. Schmidt sent a chopper down the first base line and the Bronco first baseman took a gamble and hoped the ball would roll foul, but the ball stayed fair, allowing Schmidt to reach first and Janyssa Martin to score to complete the walk-off comeback.
UP NEXT: The Rebels will go for the series sweep against the Broncos Sunday at Eller Media Stadium. First pitch is set for noon.
