UNLV softball rides Hatzenbeller blast past UNR

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.