University of Nevada Athletics

Box Score

RENO, Nev. - Senior Megan Sweet went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and freshman Brooke Bolinger struck out seven in a complete game effort as the Nevada softball team took the opening game of a three-game set against New Mexico, 5-1, on Friday afternoon at Hixson Park.

Sweet's ninth home run of the season was also the 33rd of her career, one round-tripper shy of tying Brittney Puzey's all-time home run record of 34. Hitting in the No. 2 hole for the first time this season, sophomore Aaliyah Gibson went 1-for-2 with two runs scored for the Wolf Pack (24-7, 5-2 MW). Bolinger improved to 12-3 on the season with the win.

With Nevada leading 1-0 after a two-out RBI single from senior Hannah Harger in the second, freshman Kwynn Warner led-off the bottom of the third with a walk and then moved to second after Gibson was hit by a pitch. Sweet then stepped to the dish and rocketed a ball over the right-center field fence that gave Nevada a 4-0 lead.

Bolinger struck out her fifth batter of the game in the top of the fourth but the Pack went down in order in the home half of the inning.

With one out, after Bolinger worked a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth, Gibson produced an infield single. After Sweet walked to give Nevada runners on first and second, senior Jasmine Jenkins, who went 2-for-3 on the day, dropped a single into left field that loaded the bases for junior Melissa Arriaga. Arriaga was hit on the hand by an inside pitch on a 2-2 count that plated Gibson and extended advantage to 5-0.

Despite losing the shutout in the top of the seventh, Bolinger settled down and retired the final two batters to end the Pack's losing streak at two games

Nevada will be back in action against Lobos tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Wolf Pack softball full season tickets are just $55 for youth and $60 for adults and can be purchased by calling (775) 348-PACK or online at NevadaWolfPack.com.