February 10, 2006 

CEDAR CITY, Utah - Utah Valley State dropped its second straight game to open the 2006 season, a 9-4 loss at Southern Utah. 

"I was disappointed in our effort today," said Utah Valley head coach Steve Gardner. "But it's still early and the we've just got to stay confident."

SUU struck first with three runs in the bottom of the 1st inning coming on four hits including a two-run single by Jeff Oliverson.

The Wolverines got on the board in the top of the 3rd on back-to-back doubles by Eli Slesk and Nick Connor to lead off the inning, cutting the lead to 3-1.

The T-Birds tacked on a run in the 3rd and two more in the 4th to stretch the lead to 6-1. 

Utah Valley made a game of it in the fifth when third baseman Reno Mendenhall led off the inning with a double and moved over to third on a single by Slesk. Following a walk to Nick Connor, Canyon Vance grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Mendenhall.

The Wolverines would add two more runs in the inning to cut the lead to 6-4 but SUU got one back in the bottom of the 5th and two more in the 7th for the final 9-4 margin.

Slesk led Utah Valley State with two hits and two runs scored. Kam Mickolio was saddled with the loss for the Wolverines while Larry Ellenbrook earned the victory for Southern Utah. 

The Wolverines still have a chance to earn a split with a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow beginning at Noon. Junior Ryan Jessop and senior Kyle Tash are the scheduled starters for the Wolverines. The game can be heard via KSUU 91 in Cedar City by clicking HERE.