LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV softball is predicted to top the Mountain West in 2022, according to preseason polling of the conference's coaches announced Thursday by the league office.

"This is a great honor," UNLV head softball coach Kristie Fox, reigning Mountain West Coach of the Year, said, "because it shows how far our program has come in a short amount of time."

The Rebels tied with San Diego State in overall predicted-order-of-finish points, but carried the most first-place votes with five.

UNLV returns 13 letterwinners, including eight starters and All-Mountain West selections Denise Armendariz, Jenny Bressler and Mia Trejo, from last season when the Rebels finished second in the Mountain West standings. The Rebels added six freshmen and three transfers in the offseason.

Take a look at the reveal of the 2022 #MWSB 🥎 Predicted Order of Finish as voted on by the leagues coaches!#MakingHerMark | @UNLVSoftball | @AztecSoftball pic.twitter.com/JuYA4i38Xj

— Mountain West (@MountainWest) February 3, 2022

UNLV's last conference championship came in 1995 as a member of the Big West. That year, the Rebels reached the Women's College World Series.

"This vote comes from our peers who know our teams, our recruiting and our culture best. Now we have to go out and earn it between the lines."

Fresno State and Boise State tied for third. UNR was fifth, followed by Colorado State and New Mexico. San Jose State and Utah State shared the final spot.

UNLV opens its season in one week hosting the Rebel Kickoff at Eller Media Stadium with BYU, CSU Bakersfield and Hawaii completing the field. UNLV and BYU take the stage first on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m.

Tickets are available now with full season admission starting at $40 and single-game tickets on sale for $6 in advance and $10 on game day. UNLV students, Nevada high school students (with high school ID) and children 12 and younger receive free admission to UNLV softball games at Eller Media Stadium.
 

2022 Mountain West Softball Predicted Order of Finish

Rank	Team (First-Place Votes)	Points
1.	UNLV (5)	57
	San Diego State (3)	57
3.	Fresno State (1)	43
	Boise State	43
5.	UNR	42
6.	Colorado State	35
7.	New Mexico	17
8.	San Jose State	15
	Utah State	15