LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - An early 9 a.m. kickoff was no problem for the UNLV women's soccer team (1-0-1) as the Rebels took down the Wolf Pack 1-0 Sunday at Peter Johann Memorial Field in the Silver State Series, presented by IBEW Local 401 and Nevada Donor Network.

It was the sixth straight win in the series for UNLV, who has dominated UNR 13-1-3 all-time, while it was the first career head coaching win for UNLV's Jenny Ruiz-Williams. It was fitting for the first-year coach and Rebel women's soccer alumna that her first collegiate win would come over the in-state rival. 

Speaking of dominance, the Rebels were in control for the majority of the game, out-shooting the Wolf Pack 19-8 overall and forcing five corners to UNR's zero. The defense notched its second straight shutout to open the season and now has 200 minutes of scoreless action under its belt. Junior Emberly Sevilla made her second start in goal and wasn't challenged too much through the game, collecting one save on the day.

After putting the pressure on the Wolf Pack defense all game, the Rebel offense finally broke through in the 73rd minute. Senior Robin Pollard sent a cross into the box that was deflected by a UNR defender. The ball then fell at the feet of a second Wolf Pack defender in the box, but her attempt to clear it went straight to the waiting foot of senior Citlalli Alonso, who blasted it past the UNR keeper into the upper left corner for the game-winner and her first career goal.

Overall, 10 different Rebels registered shots, led by freshman Nailah Harping with five and senior Ariana Reyes with three.

It was an impressive debut weekend for Ruiz-Williams and her staff - assistants Jenna Olson and Kayley Sullivan - after the trio took over last spring just prior to the Covid shutdown and kept the Rebels focused and united throughout the longer than normal offseason.

UP NEXT: UNLV will hit the road for the first time, heading to Northern California for a pair of matches next week. The Rebels will face Fresno State Friday, March 12 at 1 p.m. before wrapping up the weekend at San Jose State in a Sunday matinee contest at 12 p.m.