Event: UNLV Sportco Kick-Off Classic
Teams: UC Davis at UNLV; vs. Kent State, Loyola Marymount, Cal State Bakersfield
Records: Aggies (0-0); Rebels (0-0); Golden Flashes (0-0); Lions (0-0); Roadrunners (0-0)
Where: Eller Stadium – Las Vegas, Nev.
When: Saturday at 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m.; Sunday at 3:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.; Monday at 12 p.m.
Who to watch: Sophomore infielder Kelly Harman started in 53 games in the 2009 campaign.
The Trabuco Canyon, Calif native led the Aggies last season with a .295 batting average, five homeruns and 23 RBI.
Harman was named Big West Conference Freshman Field Player of the Year last season and received All-Big West honorable mention.
Did you know? UNLV came out with a 5-3 victory over UC Davis when the two teams met in March of last year.
In the following game against Cal State Bakersfield, the Aggies beat the Roadrunners in just five innings by a score of 9-0.
Preview: Coach Karen Yoder sees potential in her 2010 squad as it starts the season at the UNLV Sportco Kick-Off Classic.
“We have depth at more positions and more players who are playing multiple positions, which creates versatility and strengthens our team,” Yoder said.
Returning seniors include outfielders Marissa Araujo, Michelle Espiritu and infielder Sarah Axelson.
Araujo started in 48 matches last season as she finished the year with 13 doubles and a .248 batting average.
“Marissa is our anchor in the outfield,” Yoder said. “She’s just a tremendous athlete. She’s so well rounded and will give us a boost in our lineup.”
Alex Holmes leads the pitching staff and was named first-team All-Big West last year and received honorable mention.
Yoder also has high hopes for the six members of the rookie class.
The freshmen include Megan Guzman, Elizabeth Santana, Kelly Shulze, Jessica Thweatt, JJ Wagoner and Dana Waldusky.
“I’m excited about the different strengths our freshmen bring to the table,” Yoder said. “The six games we had in the fall gave us great insight into their talent and game readiness. They’ve had time to really absorb the transition from high school and travel ball to this level.”
– Grace Sprague
