UNLV, Florida Gulf Coast headline Las Vegas Classic
UNLV and Florida Gulf Coast headline the eight-team field for the Las Vegas Classic on Dec. 22 and 23 at Orleans Arena, it was announced Wednesday. Both teams were in last season’s NCAA Tournament, and the Eagles became the first No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16.
The Rebels will play four games in the event, two at the Thomas & Mack Center before two at Orleans Arena. Also in the field are Mississippi State, Santa Clara, South Florida, Florida A&M, Radford and Sacred Heart.
UNLV’s entire nonconference schedule for 2013-14 is expected to be announced in late May. The Rebels host Illinois on Nov. 26 at the Thomas & Mack and play at Arizona on Dec. 7.
■ UNLV WOMEN’S TENNIS — For the first time in school history, two Rebels have earned spots in the NCAA Division I singles tournament, which will be held May 22-27 at Illinois.
Juniors Aleksandra Josifoska and Lucia Batta have secured spots in the field of 64. The duo went a combined 15-0 in Mountain West play this season and helped the Rebels win the conference tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA team event as well.
■ COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA SOFTBALL — Coyotes shortstop Mikela Manewa was named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I softball player of the week after batting .778 (14-for-18) with 10 RBIs, 14 runs scored and six stolen bases during the team’s four-game sweep of Colorado Northwestern Community College last weekend.