LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team will host the UNLV Desert Classic as their home opening weekend series on Friday, February 16 - Sunday, February 18. The Rebels will play Bradley, Iowa State and UC Santa Barbara at Eller Media Stadium.
 
SCHEDULE:
Friday, February 16 - UNLV vs. Bradley at 3 p.m.
Friday, February 16 - UNLV vs. Iowa State at 6 p.m.
 
Saturday, February 17 - UNLV vs. UC Santa Barbara at 3 p.m.
Saturday, February 17 - UNLV vs. Bradley at 6 p.m.
 
Sunday, February 18 - UNLV vs. UC Santa Barbara at 12 p.m. PT
 
UNLV vs. the field
 
All-time vs. BRADLEY: 2-0
Streak: Won 2
First meeting: Won 7-1 on Feb. 15, 2008
Last meeting: Won 7-1 on March 15, 2011
 
All-time vs. IOWA STATE: 4-0
Streak: Won 4
First meeting: Won 6-1 on March 2, 1991
Last meeting: Won 3-1 on March 3, 2017
 
All-time vs. UC SANTA BARBARA: 41-19
Streak: Won 2
First meeting: Won 3-1 on Feb. 17, 1985
Last meeting: Won 6-3 on March 8, 2015
 
OPENING WEEKEND PROMOTIONS: Fans in attendance will receive an UNLV softball t-shirt and a 2024 UNLV softball schedule poster all weekend. Additionally, the concession stand will offer $2 hot dogs on Friday and $6 for a hot dog, chips and water bottle or canned soda on Sunday. The Rebels will have post game autographs and run the bases following the conclusion of Sunday's game.
 
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 UNLV softball season. Season tickets are $50 for adults, $40 for seniors, faculty and staff, and alumni. Tournament passes for both the UNLV Desert Classic and UNLV Rebel Classic are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, faculty and staff. Single-day tournament tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, faculty and staff. Kids under 12, Nevada High School students with their high school ID, UNLV students are free at all home contests.
 
BROADCAST INFO: The UNLV Desert Classic will be streamed on YouTube. Livestream and live stats links can be found on UNLVrebels.com/feature/2024UNLVDesertClassic
 
NEXT SERIES: UNLV will be back in Las Vegas to host the UNLV Desert Classic on Friday, February 16 - Sunday, February 18. The Rebels will welcome Bradley, Iowa State and UC Santa Barbara to Eller Media Stadium for their home opening weekend.
 
REBELS' SQUAD: UNLV returns 16 letterwinners, including six position starters and three pitchers. All-Mountain West selections in Ariana Martinez, Maddie Schmidt and Skyler Shaw return to the Rebels this season. UNLV welcomes six newcomers to the squad including Charelle Aki, Jesse Farrell, Mackenzie Huntington, Malia Jones, Kaliani Olivas and Rylei Trujillo.
 
On the pitching side, senior Ellie Zellien led the team last season with seven wins and 69 strikeouts. Zellien made 30 appearances and 19 starts for the Rebels. Fifth year senior Alanna Thiede also returns and was second on the squad in ERA (5.21), struck out 61 hitters and had two saves. Senior Jessie Fontes is also back for the Rebels this season. Last season, Fontes made 20 appearances and 11 starts and had an ERA of 7.05.
 
The Rebels bring back the top-five hitters from last season which include juniors Ariana Martinez and Sofia Morales, seniors Janyssa Martin and Skyler Shaw and fifth year senior Maddie Schmidt. Martinez was second on the squad with a .370 batting average, she posted team-highs in doubles (16), home runs (12) and slugging percentage (.708). Morales hit .299 with four doubles and 14 RBI. Martin started all 50 games last season and batted .305 with eight doubles, six home runs and a triple. Shaw led the squad and conference in batting with a .411 average. Shaw had a double, a triple and 11 RBI. Schmidt posted a .331 batting average with two doubles and two triples. Schmidt led the squad in stolen bases and was a perfect 21-for-21.
 
LAST YEAR: The Rebels had an overall record of 23-27 including a 9-13 MW record. Ariana Martinez was named to the All-Mountain West first team. Additionally, Maddie Schmidt, Skyler Shaw and April Visser were selected to the All-Mountain West second team.