PHOENIX, Arizona -- Utah Valley University rallied in the top of the ninth inning to force extra innings but fell 2-1 in 11 innings at Grand Canyon University in the WAC opener on Thursday at Brazell Stadium. A two-out RBI single by Thomas Lerouge drove home the winning for the Antelopes.

The Wolverines (11-12, 0-1) got a strong start from Patrick Wolfe but were on the short end of the pitcher's duel. Wolfe pitched 6.1 innings and tied his career high with eight strikeouts while allowing one run on six hits. Jake Mayer followed Wolfe and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings and stranded the potential winning run on third to force extra innings. Cameron Brendel struck out four batters in 8.0 innings for GCU (12-10, 1-0) and was in line for the win before Utah Valley tied the game.

"GCU is a good team and when we have opportunities to take advantage of things the guys have to trust who they are and allow themselves to be the hitters they're capable of," said UVU head coach Eric Madsen. "Pat threw strikes and showed a lot of toughness and competed. I was really pleased with what our pitched the ball tonight."

Grand Canyon scored in the second innings and held that 1-0 advantage before Ryne Edmondson drove in the game-tying run in the ninth. The top of the ninth started with an single by Zac Willis with Mark Krueger doubling to center to put runners on second and third with one out. After Spencer Gothberg was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Edmondson brought home the run on a sacrifice fly.

GCU finished had 10 hits with Lerouge and Paul Pannacione having two apiece. Krueger had two of Utah Valley's eight hits.

The series continues on Friday at 7 p.m. MST/8 p.m. MT.