LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team will open the 2026 season on home turf for the first three weekends, first hosting the UNLV Leadofff Classic on Thursday, February 5 - Sunday, February 8. The Rebels will welcome California Baptist, University of Illinois-Chicago and Purdue to Eller Media Stadium for opening weekend.
 
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, February 5 - UNLV vs. CBU at 6 p.m. PT
 
Friday, February 6 - UNLV vs. UIC at 6 p.m. PT
 
Saturday, February 7 - UNLV vs. CBU at 3 p.m. PT
Saturday, February 7 - UNLV vs. UIC at 6 p.m. PT
 
Sunday, February 8 - UNLV vs. Purdue at 12 p.m. PT
 
UNLV vs. the field
All-time vs. CBU: 5-0
Streak: Win 5
First meeting:
Last meeting: April 16, 2025 - UNLV won 7-6 (8)
 
All-time vs. UIC: 4-2
Streak: Loss 1
First meeting: March 1, 1996 - UIC won 4-1
Last meeting: Feb. 12 2011 - UIC won 4-2
 
All-time vs. PURDUE: 3-2
Streak: Win 3
First meeting: Feb. 17, 1996 - Purdue won 7-3
Last meeting: March 16, 2012 - UNLV won 6-2
 
OPENING WEEKEND PROMOTIONS: Fans in attendance will receive UNLV Softball player trading cards and a 2026 UNLV softball schedule poster all weekend. The Rebels will have postgame autographs following every game and run the bases following the conclusion of Sunday's contest.
 
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 UNLV softball season. Season tickets are $50 for adults, $40 for seniors, faculty and staff, and alumni. Tournament passes for all four home UNLV tournaments 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 Leadoff Classic will be streamed on YouTube. Livestream and live stats links can be found on UNLVrebels.com/feature/2026UNLVLeadoffClassic
 
NEXT SERIES: UNLV will stay in Las Vegas for the second weekend of the season, hosting the UNLV Desert Classic on Friday, Feb. 13 - Sunday, Feb. 15. The Scarlet & Gray will welcome UC Davis, Seattle and Quinnipiac.
 
LAST YEAR: The Rebels had an overall record of 24-25 and a 7-15 Mountain West record. Four Rebels collected All-Mountain West honors. Ariana Martinez picked up All-MW first team, Jesse Farrell was named All-MW second team and Karmyna Becerra and Yanina Sherwood earned All-MW honorable mention.
 
REBELS' SQUAD: UNLV returns 10 letterwinners, including three position starters and two pitchers. All-Mountain West honorable mention Yanina Sherwood returns along with Charelle Aki, Gwyn Burnett, Mantha Hatzenbeller, Brooke Pisciotta, Maddie Scott, Diamond Sefe, Maggie Vasa, Amelia Weber and Bri Williams. The Rebels welcome 13 newcomers to the squad which include: freshmen Taryn Calderon, Lauren Fettic, Hailey Gilbertson, Lyla Gonzalez, Brooklyn Heil and Sophie Stockam; sophomores: Presley Barnes, Raegen Everett and Camryn Johnson; juniors: Rachel Cook and Emma Wardlaw; senior Keyannah Chavez and graduate student Natalie Turner.
 
UNLV brings back Charelle Aki, Bri Williams and Maddie Scott who were among the top seven hitters from last season. Aki batted a .311 with five doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI. Williams posted a .262 batting average with three doubles, four home runs and 15 RBI. Scott played all 49 games and started 43 and batted a .223 with five doubles, team-high three triples and 10 RBI.