Utah Valley University’s softball team ended its participation in the Beehive Classic with a 7-0 loss to the University of Utah on Sunday in St. George, Utah. The defeat brings Utah Valley’s record to 12-7, while Utah improves to 17-5.
The game was decided early as the Utes scored five runs in the first inning, highlighted by two home runs. Danika Wilson hit her first of two home runs during that opening frame and added another solo shot in the third inning, increasing Utah’s lead to 6-0.
Megan Sterzer extended her hitting streak to nine games for the Wolverines, going 1-for-3 with a double. Ry Binne contributed by going 2-for-2 with a double. However, Utah Valley struggled offensively when runners were on base, finishing 0-for-11 in those situations.
Lily Riley pitched most of the game for Utah Valley, throwing 6.1 innings and allowing two earned runs on eight hits. Over four games this weekend, Riley pitched a total of 15 innings with nine strikeouts and three earned runs allowed.
Utah continued to add pressure throughout the game. In the sixth inning, they scored their seventh run after a pinch-hit triple followed by a single up the middle.
Payge Armendariz managed a pinch-hit single with two outs in the seventh inning but was left stranded as Utah Valley could not convert scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Looking ahead, Utah Valley will have several days off before starting a five-game road trip against Pacific in Stockton, California next Saturday. The series will feature former UVU associate head coach Sam Kukuk now coaching at Pacific. Saturday’s doubleheader is set for noon Mountain Time and all three games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
