The UNLV softball team dropped an 8-1 decision to Utah Valley on Friday evening at Eller Media Stadium during Rebel Classic action.
Utah Valley (5-2) scored in four of the first four innings to build an early lead and never looked back. UNLV (4-8) finished with eight hits but was unable to capitalize consistently against UVU pitcher Lily Riley, who went the distance and allowed just one run.
Early deficit too much to overcome
The Wolverines struck first with a run in the opening inning, then added two in the second and three in the third to extend their advantage to 6-0. Utah Valley pushed two more runs across in the fourth to take an 8-1 lead.
UNLV broke through in the bottom of the third. Lyla Gonzalez doubled and later scored on Keyannah Chavez’s RBI single to cut into the deficit. The Rebels threatened in multiple innings but stranded five runners.
Cook and Gonzalez lead the offense
Rachel Cook and Gonzalez each recorded two hits for the Scarlet & Gray. Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a run scored and a double, while Cook finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Charelle Aki and Brooke Pisciotta each added a hit, and Chavez drove in UNLV’s lone run.
Sherwood goes the distance
Yanina Sherwood threw all seven innings in the circle for UNLV. She allowed 11 hits and eight runs, five earned, while striking out two.
Up next
The Rebels continue Rebel Classic play on Saturday, Feb. 21 with a doubleheader at Eller Media Stadium. UNLV faces Idaho State at 3 p.m. PT, then closes the day against Merrimack at 6 p.m. PT. Both games will stream on YouTube.
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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.
