Weekend At Eller Media Stadium Classic Tournament

This past weekend, my family and I were at Eller Media Stadium, home to UNLV Softball.

The UNLV Rebels hosted Drake, Florida Atlantic University, Loyola Marymount, and Wright State at the Eller Media Stadium Tournament. It ran from February 26 to March 1.

The Rebels had a chance to sweep the tournament, but fell a little short in the last game on Sunday, finishing the weekend with a 5-1 record.

I didn't attend the opening game on Thursday night. My children were acting up, so we didn't go to the game.

The Rebels won 3-2 over Drake. I read about the game on unlvrebels.com. Jaci Hull broke out of her slump and hit a monster 2 run homerun. Brittany Meade added a homerun as well to seal the win. Rebels' ace, Traci Odegard came into the game in the 6th inning to get the save, her first of the year.

On Firday, The Rebels played two games.

In the first game, the Rebels rolled over Wright State, 9-0 in a 5 inning mercy rule shorted game. This was a wonderful team effort. Kendall Fern and Bri Barnardi are looking great after returning from injuries last year. Jaci continued her strong hitting, and seem to really be on track now. It wonderful that she back to fighting form.

In the second game, pitching ace, and the belle of the staff, Traci Odegard took to the circle. The Rebels won 3-1. The team was off to a slow start on this one, but recovered nicely. Marissa Nichols made a very rare error. She is only human, but it did lead to a run. The error aside its great to have Marissa back and scaring the other teams.

On Saturday, it was two more games.

In game 1, the Rebels beat Drake, 4-3. Pitcher Stephanie Bregante who been struggling hard this year, seem to get things going right, with her second straight win within the circle. Marissa and Kendall are lighting up the offence, showing real leadership. Jaci Hull and rest of the team are responding well. It great to see the team working together, everyone is stepping up.

After dropping of my children off for a night with grandpa, I returned to watch game 2. the always lovely Traci again got the start and win from the circle. It was Odegard's fifth win, and third shoutout. This was in a 8-0 win over Layola Marymount in a 5 inning shortened mercy rule game. Marissa Nichols got things started early, as she hit her second home run of the day. This shot came in the first inning and landed beyond the fence in left field. Laura Briones got hot driving in a few RBIs in this game. Elena Fata and Brittany Bolinger are getting very hot as well.

On Sunday, we had a chance to sweep the tournament. We had already won it, by having the best record of the weekend. The sweep would have been the icing on the tournament.

Freshman, Jessica O'Connor got the start within the circle. I understand that the coaching staff want to have your new players learn how to get themselves out of trouble. To me, it was very clear she didn't have it on this day, and they stayed with her to long into the game. This choise may have cost the win and sweep. With that said, Jessica is a sold player. She will do great things for the Rebels, but on this day, she was getting lit up.

Fellow freshman, Amber Petersen came in relief, and with her five strikeouts, she gave the Rebels a chance to come back and win this game. Amber really impressed me, showing toughness, and a super skill level.

Kendall Fearn, Jaci Hull, Laura Briones, and Elena Fata really got the offence fired up, but it fell just a little short.

As Florida Atlantic University beat us, 5-4.

One area of concern is that Marissa Nichols was taken out of the game. After the game, I talk with her about it. Marissa told me she had sore knees, and they were playing it safe. She said, she getting used to playing every game again. Nichols feels she back. This can only be great for the Rebels as they head into Mountain West Conference play, and a run for the championship.

At this tournament, I handed out the web address to my blog. I'm hoping to get more readers, and publicity. I gave the address to some parents, coaching staff members, and players. I was surprised to find out one player had stumbled unto my blog, and was a regular reader.

Undergraduate Assistant Coach, Stephanie Bean, is helping me to get my media guide signed by players and the coaching staff. This means so much to me. Stephanie is a former player, who my family and I enjoyed watching.

Head coach, Pete Manarino and his staff of assistant coaches, Panita Thanatharn, and Maggie Lavreri, along with Stephanie, are a giant breath of fresh air for the program.

The UNLV Rebels have a real chance to win the Mountain West Conference, go to regionals, and the NCAA Women's World Series this season.

The team members are great role models to my children. It shows my daughter that she can be anything she wants, if she puts in the needed work. They also show my son just how strong a woman can be as well as being very femine.

I enjoy my time at the Eller Media Stadium. I know its pretty special to my children as well. We cheer loud, and long for the Rebels. My families loyalty to the team is without question. They know that I'm there for them, and no other teams. My family and I buy the tickets, food, shirts, and media guides. I try my best to support the team, and program in any way that I can. I would never do anything to hurt or embarrass the program.

The Rebels will be back in action this coming weekend. They will host the UNLV Invitational Tournament. This will be the last home tournament before the start of play within the Mountain West Conference in early April.