LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team completed the sweep over in-state rival UNR after a 7-4 win in the regular season finale. The Rebels (31-20, 18-7) earned their fourth Mountain West sweep of the season and head into the MW Softball Championships as the No. 2 seed with a first-round bye. Following the conclusion of the game, the Scarlet & Gray honored seniors
Keyannah Chavez,
Maddie Scott,
Diamond Sefe,
Natalie Turner,
Amelia Weber and
Bri Williams. This game was part of the Silver State Series presented by America First Credit Union.
The Rebels and Wolf Pack (36-18, 16-9) went back and forth through the first four innings, but it wasn't until a three-run bottom of the fifth when UNLV took the lead and held on for the win.
Lyla Gonzalez and
Maddie Scott were 1-for-2 on the day. Scott had a double and a walk.
Natalie Turner and
Keyannah Chavez each went 2-for-3 on the day and each drew a walk. Turner had an RBI and scored two runs. Chavez led the squad with three RBI and crossed the plate twice.
Emma Wardlaw earned the win in relief for her third victory of the season.
Yanina Sherwood collected her third save on the year.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: The Rebels took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning on a two-run blast over the right field wall by
Keyannah Chavez, 2-0. UNR then cut the deficit in half, 2-1, in the top of the second inning on a solo homer to left center. However, UNLV countered in the bottom half of the second scoring two runs on two walks, 4-1. In the top of the third inning, the Wolf Pack scored two runs on a double down the left field line to get within one, 4-3. UNR tied the game 4-all after a solo homer to left. In the bottom of the fifth inning,
Natalie Turner hit a bunt single to the pitcher's mound to lead things off.
Keyannah Chavez then singled down the right field line which advanced Turner to third, giving UNLV runners on the corners.
Diamond Sefe then hit a sacrifice fly to left field that brought Turner in to put the Rebels ahead 5-4. The Rebels then took advantage of a Wolf Pack error to have runners on first and second with one out.
Presley Barnes then stepped to the plate and on the first pitch she saw, hit a double to the right center gap tacking on two more insurance runs and made it 7-4 Rebels. The sixth inning was scoreless by both teams. With one out in the top of the seventh, UNR had a runner in scoring position, but was retired with two straight outs including a strikeout by
Yanina Sherwood to secure the sweep.
OTHER NOTES
- Barnes had two RBI on a double.
- Rachel was 1-for-3 on the day and scored a run for the Rebels.
- For the series, Chavez hit a combined .600 (3-for-5) including two home runs, a team-high five RBI and scored four runs through three games. She also drew six walks, which included five in just two games. She is now on a 22-game on base streak.
- Lauren Fettic went 1-0 in her two appearances against the Wolf Pack.
- Sherwood went 1-0 in three appearances and collected two saves. She pitched a combined 5.0 innings, only allowed one hit, struck out four and had an ERA of 0.00. Sherwood held UNR to only bat 0.63 against her.
UP NEXT: The Rebels will head to Reno for the MW Softball Championships beginning Wednesday, May 6. UNLV is the No. 2 seed in the tournament and will have a first round bye. The Scarlet & Gray will begin play on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. against the winner of No. 3 seed UNR and No. 6 seed Colorado State.
