While much of the nation waits out winter, Las Vegas is already in spring mode.
The dirt is packed, the lines are chalked and the UNLV softball team is ready to open the 2026 season at Eller Media Stadium. UNLV hosts California Baptist on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. PT to open the UNLV Leadoff Classic, with UIC visiting Friday night and a Saturday afternoon rematch with CBU. The games will stream on YouTube.
With 13 newcomers on the roster, there is opportunity everywhere. As a result, the first weekend should offer UNLV its first real sorting process of the season.
2025 recap: where UNLV is building from
Last spring, UNLV finished 24-25 overall and 7-15 in Mountain West play. The Rebels were 13-9 at home. They also closed the season on a two-game winning streak.
Because of that mix of results, the offseason priority was clear. UNLV wanted more depth, more competition and more consistency week to week.
Even so, the path to improvement starts now. UNLV again plays a heavy home schedule in February. That should give the Rebels a chance to build momentum before Mountain West play begins.
A new-look roster with 13 newcomers
UNLV welcomed 13 newcomers this offseason, and each saw time on the field during fall ball.
The new Rebels include six freshmen: Taryn Calderon, Lauren Fettic, Hailey Gilbertson, Lyla Gonzalez, Brooklyn Heil and Sophie Stockam.
The transfer class is just as important. UNLV added three sophomore transfers in Presley Barnes, Reagan Everett and Camryn Johnson. In addition, UNLV brought in two junior transfers in Rachel Cook and Emma Wardlaw. The Rebels also added senior transfer Keyannah Chavez and graduate student transfer Natalie Turner.
With so many first-year Rebels, the opening weekend should function like an extended evaluation. For example, the lineup could shift from game to game. The defensive look could change, too. Still, the goal is the same: find a consistent identity early.
That evaluation will play out quickly. Early February softball in Las Vegas brings long afternoons and quick turnarounds. Therefore, lineups can change from day to day. For a roster this new, those small details matter. Who handles the moment? Who settles in defensively? And who turns opportunity into consistency once the games start counting?
Returning veterans give UNLV a foundation
Even with the roster turnover, UNLV brings back a group that has already produced in a Rebels uniform. Because of that, the returners provide stability as the season opens.
In the circle, sophomore Yanina Sherwood returns as the most established arm on the staff. As a freshman in 2025, Sherwood led UNLV with a 3.91 ERA over 175.1 innings. She posted a 13-8 record with 100 strikeouts. She also threw 12 complete games and recorded two shutouts. In addition, she earned All-Mountain West honorable mention.
Senior Amelia Weber adds veteran experience in the pitching mix and gives the staff a proven option in the circle.
Offensively, junior infielder Charelle Aki has been one of UNLV’s most consistent bats across her first two seasons. In her UNLV career, Aki owns a .310 batting average with 40 hits. She also has seven doubles, four home runs and 26 RBI. Just as important, she has reached base at a .407 clip. Therefore, her strike-zone control and power give UNLV a steady presence in the middle of the order.
Senior utility Bri Williams has delivered production across multiple roles. In her UNLV career, Williams has appeared in 72 games with 42 starts. She has 30 hits, four home runs and 20 RBI. Last season, she hit .262 while starting 38 games. As a result, she gives UNLV power potential and lineup flexibility.
Senior Diamond Sefe provides defensive stability and pop from the right side. In 2025, she started 30 games and recorded 19 hits. Those hits included five doubles and two home runs. She also posted a .991 fielding percentage. Because of her versatility, UNLV can move pieces around the diamond without sacrificing defense.
Behind the plate, junior Brooke Pisciotta gives the Rebels experience at catcher. In 2025, she hit .269 in 20 games with seven RBI. More importantly, she helped manage the staff defensively. That adds another layer of continuity.
Together, that group gives UNLV proven innings, dependable at-bats and leadership that extends beyond the stat sheet. As the Rebels sort through roles during the opening homestand, those returners provide the baseline. Then the newcomers can settle in quickly.
What to watch in Week 1
First, watch how UNLV uses its versatility. With multiple newcomers, defensive combinations could shift quickly. At the same time, several veterans can fill more than one role.
Second, keep an eye on the pitching plan. The first weekend often reveals who is ready for high-leverage innings. It also shows how the staff wants to structure starts and relief roles.
Finally, track how the offense takes shape. Early on, this roster may look different from game to game. However, the goal is to find a lineup that can apply pressure consistently.
Up next: opening week schedule at Eller Media Stadium
All games are in Las Vegas at Eller Media Stadium. TV is YouTube.
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Feb. 5 (Thu) 6 p.m. PT vs California Baptist
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Feb. 6 (Fri) 6 p.m. PT vs UIC
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Feb. 7 (Sat) 3 p.m. PT vs California Baptist
Opening week will not just start the season. Instead, it will start the sorting process. With 13 newcomers in the mix and proven returners back to anchor the roster, UNLV begins 2026 with fresh options. More importantly, the Rebels have immediate chances to define what this team can become.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
