UNLV softball wins 6-3, completes 3-0 weekend

UNLV softball finished a perfect 3-0 weekend at the Rebel Classic on Sunday, rallying past Merrimack 6-3 at Eller Media Stadium. The Rebels improved to 7-8 on the season.

A Perfect Weekend in Las Vegas

UNLV opened the weekend with two run-rule wins on Saturday. First, the Rebels beat Idaho State 14-6 in six innings. Then, UNLV shut out Merrimack 8-0 in five. Finally, UNLV completed the sweep Sunday with a comeback win.

Early Hole, Calm Response

Merrimack struck first in the top of the first. A run scored on an RBI single and a play ruled unearned. The Warriors added to the lead in the second on a solo home run to left. As a result, UNLV trailed 2-0 early.

Turner Turns the Tide

However, the Rebels answered in the third. Natalie Turner led off with a bunt single. She then stole second and third to move into scoring position. With two outs, Taryn Calderon singled to left to bring Turner home. Therefore, the deficit was cut to 2-1.

Fourth-Inning Equalizer

Next, UNLV tied it in the fourth. Keyannah Chavez opened the inning with a double to left-center. Bri Williams followed with a walk. With one out, Diamond Sefe singled to center to score the tying run. Consequently, the game was even at 2-2.

Sixth-Inning Surge

Then, UNLV took control in the sixth. Williams drew a leadoff walk, and Charelle Aki followed with a two-run home run to left. Later in the inning, Lyla Gonzalez added an RBI single. UNLV also scored on a wild pitch. In turn, the Rebels built a 6-2 lead.

Sherwood Slams the Door

Merrimack pushed across one unearned run in the seventh. Still, UNLV finished the job. The Rebels recorded the final out on a ground ball to second to secure the 6-3 win.

In relief, Yanina Sherwood earned her second win of the season. She allowed two hits and no earned runs over five innings. Meanwhile, Amelia Weber started the first two innings.

Key Numbers and Notables

Gonzalez and Sefe led UNLV at the plate, as both went 2-for-3 with an RBI. In addition, Aki’s two-run homer was the deciding swing. Chavez recorded UNLV’s lone extra-base hit with her double. Turner also scored twice and stole three bases to spark the comeback.

Up Next

UNLV heads to Arizona for the GCU/ASU Classic to close out February. The Rebels open the trip Friday, Feb. 27 against UC Riverside at 12:15 p.m. PT in Tempe.