LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — The Toreros twice tried to land haymakers, but the bottom third of the Rebels' lineup delivered the knockout blows Friday night.

UNLV (22-6) stifled San Diego's (14-22) rally attempts for a 7-4 victory Friday night at Eller Media Stadium.

Samantha Diaz, Lauryn Barker and Alyssa Trejo—Nos. 7, 8 and 9, respectively, in the lineup—batted in all seven runs as UNLV retaliated each time San Diego moved within striking distance.

"For us to have success throughout the entire year," UNLV head softball coach Kristie Fox said, "it's going to require someone different to step up every game. The bottom of our lineup came up with some really big hits for us and allowed us to play at ease on defense late in the game."

Diaz, who hit 3-for-3 at the plate and scored three runs, homered in the second inning to give UNLV a 2-0 lead. 

San Diego freshman Joecellia Roberts smacked her first career home run to lead off the fourth, but Jenny Bresler (W, 11-4) retired the side to finish her outing.

Two Torero errors in the bottom of the fourth allowed Jasmine Martin to score after Barker's sacrifice bunt attempt was thrown out of reach of the first baseman. With the bases loaded, Alyssa Trejo pinch-hit a two-RBI double for a 5-1 advantage.

USD's Alexia Torculas hit a two-run shot just over the center-field fence and then Arisa Tovar knocked in Izzy Owen, who tripled in her at-bat, to bring the Toreros back within one.

UNLV reliever Alanna Thiede, who earned her first save, escaped the inning by forcing three straight groundouts.

"Jenny gave us a good start. They got a couple of barrels on her, so I thought it was time to make a change and just have them see something different. Alanna stepped up and really closed the door."

Barker put the final touches on the contest, smashing her first offering deep over center and carrying Diaz along for the ride. 

UNLV and San Diego are back on the field Saturday at 3 p.m for game two of the three-game series.