LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team will open the 2025 season on home turf hosting the UNLV Desert Classic on Friday, February 7 - Sunday, February 9. The Rebels will welcome Buffalo, No. 23 Oregon and Southern Utah to Eller Media Stadium for opening weekend.
 
SCHEDULE:
Friday, February 7 - UNLV vs. Buffalo at 3 p.m. PT
Friday, February 7 - UNLV vs. Southern Utah at 6 p.m. PT
 
Saturday, February 8 - UNLV vs. #23 Oregon at 3 p.m. PT
Saturday, February 8 - UNLV vs. Buffalo at 6 p.m. PT
 
Sunday, February 9 - UNLV vs. Southern Utah at 12 p.m. PT
 
UNLV vs. the field
All-time vs. BUFFALO: 3-0
Streak: Won 3
First meeting: Won 2-0 on March 14, 2010
Last meeting: Won 6-5 (8) on Feb. 16, 2018
 
All-time vs. #23 OREGON: 11-15
Streak: Loss 7
First meeting: Won 3-0 on March 8, 1986
Last meeting: Loss 2-4 on Feb. 24, 2017
 
All-time vs. SOUTHERN UTAH: 42-13
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 2025 UNLV softball schedule poster all weekend. The Rebels will have post game autographs following every game and run the bases following the conclusion of Sunday's contest.
 
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 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/2025UNLVDesertClassic
 
NEXT SERIES: UNLV will stay in Las Vegas for the second weekend of the season, hosting the UNLV Rebel Classic on Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16. The Rebels will welcome Idaho State, Kansas City and Monmouth to Eller Media Stadium.
 
LAST YEAR: The Rebels had an overall record of 31-19 including a 14-8 MW record and a trip to the MW Championships. Maddie Scmidt was named MW Defensive Player of the Year. Ariana Martinez picked up All-MW first team honors and Schmidt and Ellie Zellien garnered All-MW second team honors.
 
REBELS' SQUAD: UNLV returns 6 letterwinners, including three position starters. All-Mountain West and NFCA All-West selection Ariana Martinez returns along with NFCA All-West recipient Jesse Farrell and Sofia Morales. Charelle Aki, Kailani Olivas and Bri Williams also return to the Rebels this season. UNLV welcomes 15 newcomers to the squad which include: freshmen Gwyn Burnett, Jazmine Chavez, Mantha Hatzenbeller, Kamryn Messick and Yanina Sherwood; sophomores: Ellie Bostedt, Bri Hamilton, Brooke Pisciotta and Sage VanDemark; juniors: Maddie Scott, Diamond Sefe, Maggie Vasa and Amelia Weber; senior Karmyna Becerra and graduate student Destinee Noury.
 
The Rebels bring back three of the top-five hitters from last season which includes Martinez, Farrell and Morales. Martinez led the squad with a .396 batting average, and posted team-highs in doubles (15), RBI (51), slugging percentage (.708) and on-base percentage (503). Farrell hit .359 with 12 doubles and a team-high 11 home runs. Farrell also had 46 RBI and the second-highest slugging percentage with a .683. Morales started all 50 games last season and batted a .350 with three doubles and two triples. Morales also had 19 RBI.