REBELS KNOCK AROUND ‘ROOS FOR SUNDAY WIN
Mia Trejo and April Visser drive in three runs each to lead UNLV over Kansas City
The Rebels pounded Kansas City with a season-high 16 hits in 32 at-bats and then held back the ‘Roos late charge to win Sunday’s UNLV Desert Classic finale.
UNLV (7-2) dropped Kansas City (1-8), 11-7, for the second straight game at Eller Media Stadium.
The Rebels batted through the order in the bottom of the first to grab a 3-0 lead. UNLV plated three more in the second and two in the third to set the tone before the clock struck noon.
“Our team is fighting,” UNLV head coach Kristie Fox said. “We’re working through some things—confidence issues, trying to find the right lineup and right times to make adjustments. It’s going to take us a minute to be firing on all cylinders.
“I’m just really proud that they keep fighting through it. That’s all you can ask for.”
Sofia Morales batted 4-for-5 with two runs from the leadoff position and Mia Trejo and April Visser each hit home runs, batted in three runs and scored two apiece.
“I haven’t been up there in a while,” Morales said of her change to the top of the batting order. “I’m just trying to see as many pitches as I can to help my team out relaying information.
“It’s nice to play a different role. Any way I can help the team, I’m happy to do it.”
Kansas City cut into UNLV’s 9-2 lead with five runs in the top of the sixth. UNLV’s Jasmine Martin (W, 2-1) pitched a two-hit, two-run outing through five innings but was relieved by Jenny Bressler, who earned her seventh career save, following a three-run home run by Sydney Reid.
Visser clocked a solo shot over the left-field fence to lead off the bottom of the sixth. Lauryn Barker drove in Samantha Diaz with a two-out single to put the cushion back to 4 runs.
The Rebels travel to Lake Charles, La., this weekend for five games at McNeese State’s tournament. Sam Houston, Memphis and Manhattan join host McNeese State and UNLV in the field.
“All the teams we’re playing,” Fox said, “I think, are going to be very similar to the teams we played this weekend. They’re scrappy, they’re going to put the ball in play and we’ve got to be prepared to play defense.
“It’s going to be interesting playing on turf for the first time. So we’ve got to prepare for that this week. I just look forward to seeing how they handle the moments on the road, the time change, and being in a hotel. It’s going to be exciting for us. It’s (assistant) Coach Emily’s (Vincent) hometown, so I’m expecting a lot of hospitality.”
SMACKED: UNLV’s 16 hits matched the most it has counted since 20 against UNR in a 12-7 victory on April 14, 2017.
LUCKY NO. 7: Jenny Bressler moved into a tie for fifth place on UNLV’s career saves lists. Bressler earned her seventh career save on Sunday.
ALSO CLIMBING: Mia Trejo’s three RBIs moved her to eighth all-time at UNLV with 128 for her career.