LUBBOCK, Texas – Utah Valley University softball slugged out a 10-8 win over UT Martin in the Texas Tech Invitational finale on Sunday morning at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock. The Wolverines tallied 14 hits in the victory and sophomore Brittney Vansway led the way by going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs.
 
Vansway and fellow sophomore Brianna Gatlin both homered in the game for UVU (9-13), as the Wolverines picked up their second win of the weekend to finish with a 2-3 record at the tournament.

"It was an exciting game today. It's always a good day when you have 14 hits," said head coach Nikki Palmer. "The ladies did a great job working together to get the win."

With the game tied at 3-all in the third inning, the Wolverines put a five-spot on the board to take an 8-3 advantage. Gatlin and Vansway both homered in the frame, while freshmen Sydney Austin and Breezy Roth each drove home a run apiece via a double and single, respectively.
 
Utah Valley then tacked on key insurance runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to take a 10-3 lead. Following consecutive hits from senior Erin Romero and Vansway, freshman Taleigh Williams plated Romero in the fourth with an infield single. The Wolverines then tacked on their 10th run of the game in the fifth thanks to a Skyhawk (9-9) error. 
 
UT Martin, of the Ohio Valley Conference, scored four runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to pull within two, at 10-8, but junior Kailey Christensen closed the door on the Skyhawk rally to record the save for the Wolverines.
 
Sophomore Bailey Moore (6-6) earned the win in the circle for UVU after giving up just four earned runs in five innings of work. Freshman Kellee Ramsey came on in relief in the sixth and gave up just one run while striking out one, while Christensen earned her first save of the season after retiring the three batters she faced in order in the seventh.
 
Besides Vansway's three hits, Romero and Williams chipped in two while seven other Wolverines added a hit apiece.
 
Alicia Hansen paced the Skyhawks by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
 
The Wolverines will next head to their final preseason tournament of the season next weekend, as they will compete at the San Diego Classic II in San Diego, California (March 13-15). There, UVU will face Connecticut, San Diego, San José State, Santa Clara and Western Carolina. Following next week's tournament, the Wolverines will then welcome Weber State to town on March 18 for their home opener.