LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV softball team won its third straight game to finish out the weekend at the Boyd Gaming Classic at Eller Media Stadium Sunday. The Rebels blanked Utah Valley 1-0 for a second straight shutout against the Wolverines to complete a 4-1 record at the tournament.
UNLV improved to 11-4 with the win, marking a second straight season the Rebels have started 11-4 through the first 15 games. In four seasons under head coach Kristie Fox, the Scarlet and Gray have started 11-4 or better every year, including a 12-3 start in 2019.
Similar to Saturday night's game between the two squads, a pitcher's duel ensued Sunday between Rebel freshman Jenna Perez, making her second start, and UVU's Devyn Kretz. Neither team could get their offense going against Perez and Kretz, with each only allowing two hits apiece through the first four innings. The Rebels finally broke through in fifth thanks to a pair of clutch pinch hits.
Freshman Jasmine Martin, who was one of the heroes of Saturday's comeback against Seattle, came in cold off the bench and blasted a triple to right center with one out in the inning. Sophomore Alyssa Trejo was up next and delivered with the clutch RBI double to bring Martin home from third, which was all the Rebels would need.
Perez pitched through the fifth inning before giving way to junior Jenny Bressler in the sixth. Bressler recorded the final six outs for her second save of the year, while Perez moved to 2-0 with the 5.0-inning shutout and seven-strikeout performance.
The Rebel pitching staff had the Wolverines' number all weekend as UVU failed to score a run and managed just seven hits over the two games against UNLV.
UP NEXT: After playing its first 15 games in the friendly confines of Eller Media Stadium, UNLV will head out on the road for the first time in 2021, making the short trip to Los Angeles for its final five non-conference contests before Mountain West play begins on March 20. The Rebels will open the weekend with a tough test, taking on fourth-ranked UCLA twice in a Friday doubleheader. On Saturday UNLV will face Loyola Marymount twice before wrapping up the weekend Sunday against Cal State Fullerton.
