LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team will open up the 2024 season at the Bearkat Classic hosted by Sam Houston State on Friday, February 9 - Sunday, February 11. The Rebels will play Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and Wichita State at the Bearkat Softball Complex in Huntsville, Texas.
 
SCHEDULE:
Friday, February 9 - UNLV vs. Stephen F. Austin at 11 a.m. PT
Friday, February 9 - UNLV at Sam Houston at 4 p.m. PT
 
Saturday, February 10 - UNLV vs. Stephen F. Austin at 8:30 a.m. PT
Saturday, February 10 - UNLV at Sam Houston at 11 a.m. PT
 
Sunday, February 11 - UNLV vs. Wichita State at 8:30 a.m. PT
 
UNLV vs. THE FIELD
All-time vs. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN: FIRST MEETING
 
All-time vs. SAM HOUSTON STATE: 2-0
Streak: Won 2
First meeting: Won 7-0 on Feb. 25, 2022
Last meeting: Won 8-4 on Feb. 26, 2022
 
All-time vs. WICHITA STATE: 1-0
Streak: Won 1
First meeting: Won 2-0 on March 8, 1986
Last meeting: Won 2-0 on March 8, 1986
 
BROADCAST INFO: The Bearkat Classic will not be streamed and live stats can be found on UNLVrebels.com.
 
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, Kailani 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.