Utah Valley won its Western Athletic Conference opener against Utah Tech with a 5-2 victory on March 20, led by Tatum Hall’s grand slam and Lily Riley’s complete game performance.
The win is significant as it marks the start of conference play for both teams, with Utah Valley improving to an 18-8 overall record and a 1-0 mark in the WAC. Utah Tech fell to 10-19 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Riley pitched her third consecutive complete game, striking out seven batters and allowing only two runs. She improved her season record to 11-2. Trailblazer pitcher Sauren Garton struggled early, walking two batters and hitting another before Bailey Marvin drew a bases-loaded walk to put Utah Valley ahead. Hall then hit her second grand slam of the season, giving the Wolverines a commanding lead.
Utah Tech responded with a solo home run from Summer Sanderson in the second inning and added another run in the third after LB Kahahawai-Kekona tripled and was driven in by Pappas on a sacrifice fly. However, Riley limited Utah Tech’s offense over the final four innings, stranding runners in scoring position late in the game.
The series between Utah Valley and Utah Tech will conclude with a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at noon Mountain Time. Admission is free, and fans can watch live coverage on ESPN+ or follow live statistics at GoUVU.com/stats.
Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build momentum as they continue their conference schedules.
