SURPRISE, Ariz. – Utah Valley University dropped its first game of the 2016 season, 8-2, against the University of Minnesota in the first of two games for the Wolverines (1-1) on Saturday at Surprise Stadium.
 
Spencer Gothberg and Craig Brinkerhoff led Utah Valley with two hits apiece while Jesse Emery and Trevor Howell both came off the bench to drive in the Wolverine runs.
 
After picking up a run in each of the first two innings, the Gophers (2-0) broke it open with a four-run fifth to take a 6-0 lead. Matt Stemper had a two-run single during the frame.
 
The Wolverines threatened to get back into the game in the eighth scoring both of their runs off of an RBI double to right from Emery in his first career at-bat. Howell, also making his collegiate debut, had a sacrifice fly in the inning to bring home the second run. Minnesota answered with two in the bottom of the eighth to put the game out of reach.

UVU is facing No. 5 Oregon State Saturday afternoon and will close out the opening weekend on Sunday against Ball State.