Utah Valley University defeated Weber State 9-1 in a run-rule victory on March 17 during the Wolverines’ home softball opener.
The win marks a strong start to Utah Valley’s home season, with six players recording multiple hits and the team using three separate three-run innings to secure the walk-off result. The game highlights both individual achievements and team depth as the Wolverines prepare for upcoming conference play.
Britney Moreno led the offense by going 3-for-4, including a triple, two runs batted in, and two runs scored. With her first run, Moreno became only the sixth player in program history to reach 100 career runs and tied the school record for triples with her eleventh. Angelique Mann contributed by going 2-for-2 with a double, three RBIs, two walks, and one run scored. Mann’s double in the fifth inning drove in the winning runs.
“It’s exciting to get home finally. I’m really impressed with our team, taking a run-rule [win] in our first game at home shows just how good we are,” said head coach Cody Thomson. “It’s done with multiple players, the top of our lineup is really impressive.”
Pitcher Payge Armendariz started for Utah Valley and allowed only one run over four innings while scattering four hits. The Wolverines built their lead early with a three-run second inning that included key hits from Amber Rodriguez, Tatum Hall, Megan Sterzer, and Moreno. Weber State scored its only run in the fourth inning before Utah Valley responded with another three-run frame.
The Wolverines secured victory in the fifth inning after consecutive hits from Sterzer—who hit a solo home run—Binne, Moreno, and Mann’s decisive double.
Looking ahead, Utah Valley will begin Western Athletic Conference play at home against Utah Tech Trailblazers on Friday and Saturday. The series includes one game on Friday at 4 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader starting at noon. All games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
