UNLV senior shortstop Garie Blando takes a swing against Boise State on April 7, 2015. Blando was named Mountain West Player of the Year in 2014 and last season led the Rebels in virtually every offensive category, including batting average (.389), home runs (15) and RBIs (46). Courtesy, Aaron Mayes/UNLV Photo Services
When UNLV senior shortstop Garie Blando first arrived in Las Vegas, she didn't envision herself earning Mountain West Player of the Year honors, as she did in 2014.
"Absolutely not," she said. "It happened two years ago and it still hasn't hit me. I never expected that to happen, but when you put in the work, the results will come.