REBELS BEGIN 2023 SEASON FRIDAY
UNLV hosts No. 7 Arkansas, NISC champ Baylor in Rebel Kickoff field
The Rebels return to the softball diamond Friday to open the 2023 season.
UNLV hosts No. 7 Arkansas, 2022 NISC champion Baylor, Southern Utah and Weber State this weekend for the Rebel Kickoff at Eller Media Stadium. The first game pits Southern Utah versus Baylor at 9 a.m. UNLV takes the field against Southern Utah at 4:30 p.m. before facing No. 7 Arkansas at 7 p.m.
A full schedule of games is available here.
Broadcast Info
All games of the Rebel Kickoff will be streamed live on UNLV Athletics’ official YouTube page (YouTube.com/UNLVAthletics).
Lineup Preview
UNLV returns six position players and three pitchers from its 2022 squad. That team set 14 program records and reached the postseason for the first time since 2018 when it finished runner-up at the National Invitational Softball Championship.
The Rebels reload with more power in the lineup and recharge their battery following the departure of last season’s ace Jenny Bressler.
Jasmine Martin and Alanna Thiede are the returning starters in the circle. The pair combined for a 14-8 record with four saves last season. Veteran catchers Julia Vollmer, Hailey Schmaltz and Alyssa Trejo provide an array of options behind the plate.
In the outfield, Sofia Morales, whose .378 batting average led the Rebels last season, moves from center to left field and likely takes a leadoff role. Janyssa Martin returns to center field healthy after missing nearly half of last season with a broken thumb. Denise Armendariz, who joined Morales as an All-Mountain West selection last season, gets the nod in right field.
Around the horn, Ariana Martinez looks to replace all-conference first baseman Mia Trejo in the field. As a freshman, Martinez hits 30 RBIs in conference play for second among all Mountain West players. Graduate senior April Visser, who led UNLV with 15 home runs in 2022, keeps her claim to second base. Visser, an NFCA All-West Region selection in her first season with the Rebels, has been voted as high as the No. 8 second baseman in Division I preseason power rankings. Needing to replace two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Samantha Diaz, uber-athletic senior Maddie Schmidt drops into shortstop from left field. Senior stalwart Lauryn Barker commands the defensive corner at third base.
New for 2023
Infielders Kelsie Kelso (Humble, Texas) and Lorenzza Marcacci (Benicia, Calif.) and outfield Bri Williams (Moreno Valley, Calif.) are a trio of incoming freshmen the not only bolster the Rebels’ depth but put pressure on the competition for starting spots.
UNLV also added six transfers—Marisa Bowman (Utah State Eastern), Jessie Fontes (Arizona), Alexys Herrera (North Dakota), Arissa Lugo (Hawaii-Hilo), Skyler Shaw (Missouri State) and Ellie Zellien (Cal State Fullerton).
Bowman is working behind Schmidt at shortstop. Herrera’s and Shaw’s fleet feet cover the outfield and boost UNLV’s baserunning. Fontes, a former top-25 high school recruit, and Zellien, who also has power behind the plate, will compete for innings in the circle.
Also new for 2023 is the return of a conference softball tournament to determine the automatic bid for the NCAA Championship. The Mountain West Softball Championship returns for the first time since 2006 and will be hosted by San Diego State, May 11-14.
UNLV was voted third by the league’s coaches in the Mountain West Conference’s regular-season predicted order of finish behind Boise State and San Diego State.
Secure Your Seats
Season ticket package includes all UNLV Softball home games in addition to all other tournament games being played at Eller Media Stadium!
| 2023 UNLV Softball Tickets | ||
| Season Tickets | Price | |
| Adult | $50 | |
| Senior (62+) | $40 | |
| Faculty & Staff* | $40 | |
| Active Alumni** | $40 | |
* Faculty Staff Discount:
Current full-time Faculty & Staff must contact the UNLV Ticket Office at 702-739-3267 or visit the Thomas & Mack Center ticket office in person with your staff ID. To receive the discount, you must use your UNLV employment information to set up the account. Limit to two (2) discounted tickets per account.
** Alumni Discount:
Current paid Scarlet Loyal Alumni members can purchase up to two (2) discounted softball season tickets. To purchase softball tickets please call UNLVtickets at 702-739-3267 and your Alumni membership will be verified. Limit to two (2) discount tickets per account.
Kids claim tickets at Eller Media Stadium on game day. (Box Office opens 60 minutes prior to first pitch).