LAS VEGAS, NV (UNLVRebels.com) – For a second time in 2021, UNLV softball senior shortstop Samantha Diaz has been tabbed the Mountain West Player of the Week. Diaz also earned the first honor of the season on Feb. 16, while this is the third time in her career she's received the award.

Diaz helped lead UNLV to a series sweep at Utah State last weekend, the Rebels' first series win over the Aggies since 2015 and first sweep against USU since 2014.

The Rancho Cucamonga, California, native went 6-for-10 (.600) at the plate in the three games, hitting a home run in each game with nine total RBIs and five runs scored. It was a welcome return of the long ball for Diaz, who hit five on the opening weekend of the season, but hadn't hit one since before exploding for the three in Logan. Diaz's three home runs were part of 10 total hit by UNLV against the Aggies.

In the 6-2 series-opening win in eight innings, Diaz drove in the then go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth and followed with a two-run home run in the eighth to put the Rebels up 6-2 and secure the victory. In game two, Diaz went 2-for-3, which included a solo home run in the fourth inning to put UNLV up 3-0 in the eventual 6-0 win. Diaz saved her best game for last in the series finale on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with five RBI and three runs scored in the 17-0 UNLV win in five innings. The senior drove in two runs in the second inning on a RBI single, then capped the weekend off with a three-run home run in the top of the fifth for the final 17-0 margin.

The Rebels are now 19-9 on the year and tied for first in the Mountain West with Fresno State at 11-1 after the first month of league play. UNLV will play at home this weekend for the first time since March 20-21, hosting New Mexico for three games, April 17-18. First pitch of the weekend is set for Saturday at 1 p.m.