Utah Valley lost to Tarleton State, 60-57, in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals on March 12 at the Orleans Arena. The Wolverines led for most of the game but were outscored by Tarleton State in the fourth quarter.
The result means Utah Valley finishes its season with a record of 16-14. The team will now wait to see if it receives an invitation to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), with the field set to be announced on Sunday.
Kaylee Headrick led Utah Valley with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Amanda Barcello played all 40 minutes and contributed 15 points and five steals. Cambree Blackham added 10 points and seven assists for the Wolverines.
Utah Valley overcame an early deficit after Tarleton State opened with a 7-0 run. The Wolverines responded defensively and ended the first quarter on an 8-0 run. They continued their momentum into halftime, leading 32-25 after another late surge led by Headrick.
In the second half, Utah Valley built a nine-point lead early in the third quarter but could not hold off Tarleton State’s comeback. The Texans used a key run in the fourth quarter to take their first lead since early in the game. With less than a minute remaining, Kyrianna Jones hit a three-pointer to put Tarleton State ahead for good. Utah Valley had two chances to retake the lead but was unable to convert.
The Wolverines now await word on whether their season will continue in postseason play.
