LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Senior outside hitter Mariena Hayden had match highs of 15 kills and four service aces, but the UNLV volleyball team lost an entertaining, competitive match to No. 8 Purdue in the opener of the Rebel Challenge Thursday afternoon at Cox Pavilion.

The Rebels (2-2), who are receiving votes in the national rankings, were competitive throughout the match that included 20 tie scores and nine lead changes, but lost in three sets (25-19, 25-21 and 25-23). Purdue (3-0) was the second straight team that UNLV has faced (No. 13 BYU last weekend).

UNLV had four more kills than the Boilermakers (45-41), but was outhit .380 to .220 for the match. UNLV also recorded more assists (36-32) and service aces (6-1).

Senior setter Lauryn Burt led UNLV in assists with 19, while sophomore setter Arien Fafard had 15. Junior libero/defensive specialist Paris Oliveira had a team-high 14 digs. Hayden only had three hitting errors, recording a percentage of .364. Purdue was led by Grace Cleveland's 13 kills and Hayley Bush's 31 assists.

NEXT FOR THE REBELS: UNLV will close out the Rebel Challenge on Saturday at 4 p.m. vs. No. 25 Washington State at the Cox Pavilion. Friday will feature a neutral-site match between Purdue and Washington State, also at 4 p.m.

Admission is free for all kids in high school and younger, and tickets for adults are just $6 when purchased online in advance at UNLVtickets.com. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

NEWS & NOTES:

• The loss marked just the fifth for UNLV in their last 36 matches dating back to 2019.

• UNLV concluded its Spring 2021 season with a record-breaking campaign that saw the Rebels win the Mountain West title, going undefeated in regular-season play (12-0) and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The team finished the season 13-1 overall.

• UNLV returned nine letterwinners from last season including All-American and MW Player of the Year Mariena Hayden, and All-MW First Team performer Kate Brennan.

• Also returning to the squad are Gabrielle Arretche-Ramos, Lauryn Burt, Shelby Capllonch (honorable mention All-MW), Arien Fafard, Jordyn Freeman, Paola Garcia and Paris Oliveira. There are eight newcomers, which include six freshmen and a pair of international student-athletes.

• UNLV is led by fourth-year head coach Dawn Sullivan, who was honored following the Spring 2021 season with the MW's Coach of the Year award.

• For the first time in program history, the Rebels were predicted to finish atop the MW volleyball standings by the league's 11 head coaches as the preseason poll was released last month. Hayden was chosen as the Preseason Conference Player of the Year.