PROVO, Utah—The Utah Valley University women's soccer team came up just short in its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, dropping a hard-fought 1-0 decision to 13th-ranked BYU Saturday afternoon in front of 3,663 fans at South Field.
 
The loss wraps up a record-setting historic season for Utah Valley (14-7-1), which won a school-record 14 matches and won its first-ever WAC Tournament championship.
 
"First off, congratulations to BYU," said Utah Valley head coach Brent Anderson. "We wish them the best of luck as they move on in the tournament. I'm very proud of my team. Not just for their effort today but for their effort over the entire season. They've worked very hard and have bought in to the program. It's the most-fun team that I've ever worked with. I'm really appreciative for all that they have done. Making it to the NCAA Tournament was such a great experience for us, defiantly one that we can build on and grow from. We look forward to getting back here again."
 
Jessica Duffin, who wraps up her career at UVU as the all-time shutout leader (17), registered a game-high five saves in the setback. Six different UVU players recorded a shot on the day. Breanna McCarter led the Wolverine attack with a team-high two shots, including one on goal. Jamie Brown and Rylee Gritton also registered a shot on goal.
 
The Wolverines were called for 16 fouls compared to BYU's six. The Cougars out-shot UVU 18-7 on the day.
 
BYU's Elena Medeiros scored the game winner in the 21st minute, hitting a shot into the bottom left corner of the net for the score. Nadia Gomes assisted the goal.
 
With the win, BYU advances to Thursday's second round to take on Stanford in Palo Alto, Calif.