OREM, Utah – Behind seven strong innings from sophomore Bailey Moore, the Utah Valley University softball team recorded its first Western Athletic Conference victory of the season with a 3-1 win over CSU Bakersfield on Friday afternoon at Wolverine Field.
 
Moore (9-13) went the distance in the circle for the seventh time on the season as she struck out five and scattered seven hits en route to the complete-game victory. She nearly picked up her third shutout of the campaign in the process, as she didn't allow a run until the seventh inning.
 
"Bailey worked really hard this week and it paid off as she was consistent for us," said head coach Nikki Palmer. "If we're able to clean that defense up a bit at the end then we would have come away with the shutout. But we're happy with the win and we'll shoot for some more on Saturday."
 
With Moore and CSUB's (13-18, 1-3 WAC) Kelsie Monroe locked in an early pitcher's duel, the Wolverine (13-25, 1-3 WAC) offense finally broke through in the third with a pair of runs to take a 2-0 advantage. UVU loaded the bases in the frame on a trio of three walks and sophomore Brittney Vansway delivered the big hit -- Utah Valley's first of the game -- with a sharp two-run single through the left side of the infield.
 
The Wolverines then tacked on their third run of the contest in the fourth inning when freshman catcher Cera Stanley blasted out a solo home run to center field. The long ball marked the second of the year for Stanley.
 
Moore and UVU continued to hold the Roadrunners scoreless until the seventh when Bakersfield managed to piece together a late rally. With two on and two out in the top of the seventh, Alexandrea Simmons came through for the 'Runners with a clutch RBI single up the middle to make it a 3-1 game. With the tying runners in scoring position, Moore then got out of the jam thanks to a fine defensive play from junior shortstop Tiani Hensley to end the game.  
 
"The girls showed great offensive discipline today," added Palmer. "They were really communicating in the dugout and I felt like that carried over into their offensive production."
 
Vansway, Stanley and sophomore Brianna Gatlin all collected a hit apiece in the ballgame for UVU and Vansway led the way for the Wolverines by going 1-for-2 with a two RBIs and a walk. Simmons paced Bakersfield with a 2-for-3 outing and an RBI.
 
With the win, Utah Valley snapped a five-game losing streak, as well as picked up its eighth straight victory over the 'Runners.
 
The game also marked the 2015 league home opener for UVU. Prior to Friday's first pitch, Utah Valley honored its 2014 WAC Tournament Champion squad with a ring ceremony and a banner unveiling.
 
The weekend conference series will continue for UVU and CSUB on Saturday with a doubleheader at Wolverine Field. The opener of the twin bill will begin at noon while the nightcap and series finale is slated to follow at 2 p.m.