The UNLV softball team kept its late-season surge going Friday, beating UNR 4-2 at Eller Media Stadium to secure another Mountain West series win and strengthen its hold on second place in the conference race.
One day after head coach Kristie Fox earned her 400th career win, the Rebels backed it up with another tight, efficient rivalry win. UNLV improved to 30-20 overall and 17-7 in Mountain West play.
The difference came in the third inning. UNLV scored all four of its runs in the frame, and Mantha Hatzenbeller supplied the swing that held up.
Third-inning damage
Keyannah Chavez opened the bottom of the third with a walk. Diamond Sefe then reached on a UNR error, and Charelle Aki moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt.
Presley Barnes put UNLV on the board with an RBI single to shallow left, scoring Chavez. Then Hatzenbeller jumped on the first pitch she saw and drove a three-run homer to deep center, scoring Sefe and Hailey Gilbertson for a 4-0 lead.
That was enough offense on a day when the Rebels finished with four hits but drew six walks. Hatzenbeller went 1-for-2 with three RBI and a walk, while Barnes, Sefe and Bri Williams each added a hit.
Fettic, Sherwood finish it
Lauren Fettic gave UNLV six strong innings and earned her 14th win of the season. She allowed two runs on six hits, did not walk a batter and struck out two.
UNR cut the lead to 4-1 in the fifth on Talia Tretton’s solo homer. The Wolf Pack added another run in the sixth on Hannah Di Genova’s fielder’s choice, but Fettic kept the lead intact.
Yanina Sherwood handled the seventh and retired UNR in order for her second save. She struck out one in a clean final inning.
Up next
UNLV closes the regular season Saturday against UNR at 1 p.m. PT at Eller Media Stadium. The Rebels will honor seniors Keyannah Chavez, Maddie Scott, Diamond Sefe, Natalie Turner, Amelia Weber and Bri Williams after the game.
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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.
