OREM, Utah—Taylor Kirk registered two goals, including the game winner to lead the Utah Valley University women's soccer team to a 4-0 win over WAC foe New Mexico State Friday night at Clyde Field. The win moves Utah Valley (8-4-1, 3-0-1) into sole possession of first place in the WAC standings.
 
"It was great to be back home and great to get the win tonight," said Utah Valley head coach Brent Anderson. "The team is really on an upward trajectory right now. We are playing very well and we have a lot of confidence. I like the way we are moving into conference play. We've got a lot of tough conference games ahead of us but I like the way that we are playing right now."
 
Kirk, whose cancer-surviving parents were honored at halftime, scored her third and fourth goals of the season. The junior forward put the game winner in the back of the net from the top of the box in the 32nd minute after receiving a touch pass from Breanna McCarter. Sara Callister was also credited with an assist on the goal.
 
"It was a big night for Taylor (Kirk)," said Anderson. "It was great to be able to honor her parents. They've had quite the battle with cancer in both their immediate and extended family. For her to come out score a couple of goals tonight was very special for her and for her family."
 
Kasandra Anderson tallied her fourth goal of the season in the 60th minute as she received a nice lead pass and fired a shot past the NM State keeper from the top of the box to give UVU a 2-0 advantage. McCarter tallied her second assist of the night on the goal.
 
Kirk scored her second goal of the match as she received a pass from Anderson at the top of the box and fired a shot off the keeper into the back of the net for the score.  
 
"It was a special night with my parents being honored," Kirk said. "I have to thank my team and my coaches for making that happen. I was so happy to score a goal for each of my parents tonight."
 
Sydney Fitzpatrick capped off the scoring with a goal in the 88th minute as she received a lead pass from Libby Weber and beat her defender down the field before connecting on a shot to the far post for the score.
 
Jessica Duffin recorded her fifth shutout of the season with a pair of saves in the box. The clean sheet marks Duffin's 14th career shutout, which is a UVU all-time career record.
 
The Wolverines out-shot New Mexico State 18-6, including a 9-2 advantage on goal. Weber led UVU with five shots, including two on goal. Anderson and Kirk each had four shots on the night.
 
Utah Valley continues play at home against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. MT.