LAS VEGAS, NV. – Merrimack Softball began their 2026 season with a near comeback, but they fell just short in a 7-5 defeat to the Valparaiso Beacons to begin their play in the UNLV Rebel Classic tournament.
After trailing into the fifth inning, the Warriors broke through on an RBI single from
Sam Russalesi, the Warriors would keep it rolling in the sixth as
Madeline Arvai knocked an RBI single into left, Arvai would score two batters later on a
Megan Miller single. Merrimack would cut the lead to two as
Abby Choquette smacked her first ever collegiate home run one batter later.
In the seventh, Merrimack would earn a lead off walk to bring the tying run to the plate, but they would be unable to even the game.
The Warriors continue their play in the UNLV Rebel Classic tournament tomorrow against Utah Valley at 3 PM and UNLV at 9 PM, both eastern time. Those games can be seen for free on the UNLV YouTube channel.
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on X, Instagram and Facebook.
