The Manarino Era Begins at UNLV Softball

Today, was opening day for UNLV Softball. We, as a family were so fired up. Jenna had her cheerleader dress on, and a special nail polish design of a softball on both ring finger nail, and sparkling red polish on others. Both children had big red wigs on. They along with myself were in full Rebel gear.

When you walk into Eller Media Stadium, you could see and feel the changes right away. The scoreboard had a fresh coat of paint, and the snack bar was up and running with wonderful smells.

On the outfield fence was two new banners. One with a list of NCAA Regional appearances, and the other a list of College World Series appearances. It is a clear message their is a new era for this program.

In UNLV's first game, which was the second game of the Sportco Kick-Off Classic Tournament, they played Marshall.

It was great to see one of my favorite players, Traci Odegard gets the honor of pitching the first game of the season. This couldn't of happened to a sweeter woman. She pitched a two hit, mercy rule shorten game. The Rebels won, 8-0, in five innings.

In this game, both Marissa Nichols and Kendall Fearn serve up notice to the softball world that they were back from injury, and health as they hit back to back home runs. This can only be great news for UNLV as we move on throughout the season.

In UNLV's second game, they faced Illinois - Chicago.

This game was a bit of a surprise challenge for UNLV, it was tied twice at 2-2, and 5-5. But in the end the Rebels win 7-5.

The winning 2 - run home run came from the bat of Kendall Fearn in the bottom of the 7th inning.

It took 3 pitchers to get through this game. Freshman, Amber Petersen struggles in her first start as a Rebel. Also Stephanie Bregante has some issues in relief. Freshman, Jessica O' Connor came into the game, and got the win.

This was a team effort to get this two wins. The stars, starter and bench players came together.

I'm looking forward to and very excited about this season of UNLV Rebel Softball.

The Sportco Kick-off Classic will continue tomorrow and on Sunday.