OREM, Utah—Behind a career high 19 points from Patrice Toston, the Utah Valley University women's basketball team defeated in-state rival Weber State, 61-40, on Saturday afternoon in the UCCU Center. The Wolverines move to 3-2 overall with the win while sending the Wildcats (3-1) to their first loss on the season.
 
Toston shot 8-for-11 from the field with Utah Valley connecting on 47.9 percent (23-for-48) from the field while holding Weber State to just 25 percent (16-for-64 shooting.
 
"Patrice was a huge bright spot for me. She was unbelieveable, and I think that is a sign of good things to come. She showed tonight that she can be a special player at this level," said head coach Cathy Nixon. "I'm really proud of the girls. Ths is the fifth game in eight days, and that's not easy for any team at any level. I felt like we were able to control the tempo for most of the game. Defensively and as a whole the girls carried out the game plan probably better than any game so far this season."
 
The Wolverines led by five late in the first half before an 8-0 run pushed the advantage to 13, 28-15, at the break. In the second half, the streak continued with runs of 7-0 and 9-0 run to help the Wolverines pull away late.
 
Karlee Norris added 12 points and led Utah Valley with nine rebounds while Mariah Seals contributed 12 points and seven assists while Rhaiah Spooner-Knight added 10 points. Rebecca MaWhinney also snuck in three steals. Regina Okoye led Weber State with 11 points.
 
Utah Valley hits the road for two games over Thanksgiving weekend beginning at UC Davis on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 5:45 p.m MT. The Wolverines will stay in Northern California for a contest at San Francisco on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. MT.