April 5, 2011
Box Score
SALT LAKE CITY - After falling down 8-1 in the early stages of the ballgame Utah Valley University tried to stage a late comeback against the University of Utah Tuesday afternoon at Ute Softball Field in Salt Lake City but the Utes (20-16) managed hold on and defeat the Wolverines (7-18) 8-3.
"I felt like our kids that were in the game kept on battling after we fell down by a large margin early on. I was pleased with our effort and that we didn't quit," UVU head coach Todd Fairbourne said.
After falling 6-2 to the Utes in their last game this past Saturday, the Wolverines bounced back in the top of the first with a two-out rally. Amanda Robinson started it off with a double to left center and Amanda Perez followed it with another double to leftfield to score Robinson. With the run on the board UVU led 1-0 in the middle of the first.
Utah bounced back however in the bottom of the first with three runs to take a 3-1 advantage. The Utes hitters then took advantage of the strong wind gusts blowing straight out in the second as Chalese Fankhauser and Tia Palauni hit back-to-back homers to give Utah a 7-1 lead after two.
With the score 8-1 Utah in the sixth inning the Wolverines got something going off of the Utes Brittany Parker. Meghan Yocom and Robinson both singled to set the table for Perez. Perez came through with her second RBI of the game with a sharp single to right field to cut the deficit to 8-2 with just one out. Deianna Russell then plated Robinson with an RBI groundout but Parker battled back and retired Samantha Telarroja via a groundout.
Down 8-3 in the seventh the Wolverines threatened as Charlee Cisneros singled and advanced into scoring position in the frame but she didn't score as Parker struck out Maggie Christianson to end the game.
UVU's Josi Summers started the game in the circle and was charged with the loss as she gave up seven runs in the first two innings. The reigning PCSC Pitcher of the Week Kyli Flanary came on in relief of her in the third and pitched well as she allowed just one run in four innings of work.
Generra Nielson started pitching for Utah but went just two innings and did not factor in the decision. Naomi Amu came on and pitched the middle innings without allowing a run and was credited with the win.
Offensively Robinson and Perez both finished 2-for-3 in the game to lead the Wolverines. Robinson also scored two runs and Perez finished with two RBI. Palauni who finished 2-for-3 with two homers and four RBI led Utah.
The Wolverines will now look ahead to their Pacific Coast Softball Conference season that they will begin Saturday at Portland State. Last year UVU finished its inaugural year of PCSC Mountain Division play in second place with a 13-7 conference record, while Portland State won the division with an 18-2 conference clip.
