LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV softball team earned a 14-3 run-rule victory against Illinois-Chicago on Friday evening on the second day of the UNLV Leadoff Classic at Eller Media Stadium.
UNLV (1-1) showcased a powerful offensive performance, tallying 12 hits, including four home runs from four different players. Taryn Calderon, Charelle Aki, Presley Barnes and Bri Williams each hit a home run. Lauren Fettic made her UNLV debut in the circle, pitching 4.0 innings and striking out four batters. Fettic secured her first win of the season. Amelia Weber also pitched for UNLV, collecting two strikeouts in her 1.0 inning of work. The Scarlet & Gray recorded 12 RBI and three walks during the game.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: The Flames took an early lead, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. However, UNLV quickly responded in the bottom of the second, tying the game 2-2 with a two-run home run by Taryn Calderon. In the top of the third, UIC had two runners on with one out, but Presley Barnes caught a runner stealing, and Fettic finished the inning with a strikeout. The Rebels continued their offensive surge in the bottom of the third, as Natalie Turner led off with a single. With one out, Keyannah Chavez hit an RBI double, giving UNLV a 3-2 lead. Aki and Barnes then hit back-to-back home runs, extending UNLV’s lead to 6-2 after three innings. The Flames added a run in the top of the fourth inning on an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 6-3. UNLV responded with eight more runs in the bottom of the fourth on five hits, including a three-run home run by Bri Williams. The Rebels retired the Flames in order in the top of the fifth inning to secure the run-rule victory.
OTHER NOTES:
- Keyannah Chavez had a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBI and a double.
- Barnes was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
- Turner went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
- Calderon was 1-for-1 with two RBI, a walk, and two runs scored.
- Williams went 2-for-2 with three RBI and two runs scored.
- Calderon, Turner and Weber each had a stolen base.
UP NEXT: The Rebels continue the UNLV Leadoff Classic on Saturday, February 7, with two games. UNLV will first play California Baptist at 3 p.m. PT and then face UIC again at 6 p.m. PT.
California Baptist will also be playing UNLV on February 6th at 3 p.m. PT, according to the UNLV Athletics website.
