Utah Valley won against UC Davis, 6-5, on Mar. 9 at La Rue Field in Davis, California.
The game was marked by strong offensive performances from four Utah Valley players who each had multiple hits. Britney Moreno led the team with three hits, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Bailey Marvin, Emma Haygood, and Tatum Hall also contributed two hits and an RBI each.
Utah Valley started quickly by scoring three runs in the first inning. The team has now scored in the first inning 13 times this season and has scored first in 16 games. Moreno began the game with a double, followed by a bunt single from Ry Binne and a hit from Marvin to bring in the first run. A double steal added another run before Haygood’s double made it 3-0.
Maddie McSorley hit her first collegiate home run in the third inning to extend Utah Valley’s lead to 4-0. UC Davis responded with runs throughout the game, including a two-run homer by Naomi Kalanetra in the fifth inning that narrowed Utah Valley’s lead to one run.
In the sixth inning, back-to-back doubles from Payge Armendariz and Hall helped Utah Valley regain momentum. Moreno added another RBI single for a total of six runs. Despite late pressure from UC Davis—including bases-loaded situations—Utah Valley pitchers Hannah Ortega and Ella Miller managed to secure the win.
Utah Valley will finish its road trip against Sacramento State on Tuesday as head coach Cody Thomson aims for his 100th career win.
