Utah Tech lost to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) 11-3 in five innings on March 17 at Eller Media Stadium. The Trailblazers took an early lead but were unable to hold off the Rebels, who scored ten unanswered runs and secured their second win over Utah Tech this season.
The game began with Utah Tech (10-18) scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona led off with a single and stole her eighth base of the year before scoring on an RBI double by Kinley Pappas. Pappas then stole third base and was brought home by Gabi Giroux’s sacrifice fly, marking Giroux’s twelfth RBI of the season.
Despite this strong start, UNLV (14-15) responded quickly with four runs in the bottom of the first inning, including two two-run singles. The Rebels added a solo home run in the third and five more runs in the fourth inning to extend their lead to 10-2 after four innings.
Pappas led Utah Tech offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, triple, two RBIs, and one run scored. Four other Trailblazers recorded singles during the contest. In pitching, sophomore Cemryn Pickett made her third start of the season but was relieved after recording one out. Delaney Wright finished out the game for Utah Tech, pitching 4.1 innings and striking out three batters.
In their final opportunity at bat in the fifth inning, Pappas hit an RBI triple to keep Utah Tech alive briefly before UNLV closed out the game with an RBI double from pinch-hitter Bri Williams under run-rule conditions.
Looking ahead, Utah Tech will begin Western Athletic Conference play this weekend as they travel to face Utah Valley (17-8) on Friday and Saturday in Orem.
