LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The fifth-seeded Utah Valley University softball team opened its 2015 WAC Softball Tournament run with a bang by hitting out two grand slams en route to a 13-3 run-rule victory over fourth-seeded Seattle U in the tournament's opening game on Thursday morning in Las Cruces. With the victory, the Wolverines now advance on to play the top seed and host New Mexico State Thursday at 4 p.m.
 
"This game was just awesome," head coach Nikki Palmer said. "It was a great feeling and a great start to the tournament. We've got a lot more work to do but it feels great."
 
Trailing 2-0 in the fifth, pinch-hitter Kristy Snyder delivered the first grand slam of the day to give the Wolverines (17-39) their first lead of the game. Jaylen Watson then promptly followed with a solo shot of her own to the opposite field to extend UVU's lead to 5-2. After scoring four more runs in the sixth, Brittney Vansway capped the rally with a grand slam of her own down the left field line to put the game out of reach at 13-2.
 
"Like I've said before, Kristy is my favorite pinch-hitter. She is a fighter and for a freshman she has a lot of heart and is very disciplined at the plate," added Palmer. "Starting that rally was huge for us."
 
Besides smacking out three home runs, the UVU defense -- which leads the nation in double plays turned this season with 43 -- also set a single-game school record by turning four more double plays in ballgame. The Wolverines turned a double play in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings.
 
UVU threatened in both the first and second innings but couldn't manage to score, as Seattle U (15-35) was the first to get on the board in the second inning. SU took a 1-0 advantage following a walk and consecutive singles to take a 1-0 advantage. With two on and nobody out, UVU shortstop Tiani Hensley helped the Wolverines get out of the jam by starting the first double play of the ballgame.
 
The UVU defense then shined again in both the third and fourth innings by turning two more double plays. It actually looked to have turned another one in the third inning, but that one was taken away on a catcher's interference call. The Redhawks did, however, push home their second run of the ballgame in the fourth thanks to a RBI single up the middle from Paige Bouska.
 
Trailing 2-0 in the fifth, the UVU offense loaded the bases with nobody out to set the table. Following a lineout from Dynasty Lauvai and a strikeout from Megan Peay it was all up to the pinch-hitter Snyder. The freshman wasted little time as she blasted the second pitch she saw over the center field wall for a grand slam. Following Watson's back-to-back jack UVU took a 5-2 lead.
 
The Wolverines then stayed hot at the plate in the sixth inning as they scored eight more runs to extend their lead to 13-2. Hensley, Smith, Snyder, Watson all drove home a run apiece in the frame before Vansway delivered the big blow with her grand slam.
 
Snyder led the UVU offense by going a perfect 2-for-2 with five RBIs off the bench. Watson and Erin Romero too each added two-hit performances for the Wolverines.
 
Bailey Moore (11-19) started in the circle for Utah Valley and picked up the win as she gave up just two earned runs in five innings. Makayla Shadle then came on to pitch the bottom of the sixth and allowed just one unearned run on one hit in one inning of work.
 
The victory snapped a 10-game losing streak for the defending WAC tournament champion Wolverines.
 
Fans can watch the entire WAC Tournament on the WAC Digital Network (WACSports.com/watch).
 
Following Thursday afternoon's game against the top seed NM State, UVU will advance to Friday win-or-lose, as it's a double-elimination format.