OREM, Utah — Devyn Cretz allowed just three hits and matched her career high with nine strikeouts as Utah Valley University won the rubber match, 2-1, to take the WAC series from Dixie State University, 2-1, on Sunday at Wolverine Field. UVU took two of three in the inaugural series between the in-state foes in the Old Hammer Rivalry. It was the first time the former junior college rivals met at the NCAA Division I level. 
 
The Wolverines (17-21, 5-7) scored two early runs and Cretz allowed just one hit over the last four innings. She also struck out the side in order in the fifth en route to her 11th win of the season.
 
"Devyn did an incredible job against the top of their lineup, which is very good, and that was really the difference in the series. We played good defense behind her and scored the runs we need to win," said UVU head coach Stacy May-Johnson. "She gives us a chance to win every time she pitches and if you're going to score on her she makes the hitter earn it."
 
It didn't take long for UVU to get on the board. Basia Query tripled to right-center to lead off the bottom of the first inning and then scored on an RBI single to right by Linnah Rebolledo. The Wolverines' second run came in the second on an Emery Nielson double that plated Madison Carr. With Carr at first with two outs, Nielson flared the ball to left where it hit the line and went into the corner for the extra base hit. 
 
Like Cretz, Dixie State (18-21, 6-6) starter Carissa Burgess (12-11) allowed just one hit over her final four innings of work and retired the final seven hitters she faced. The Trailblazers lone run came on a third-inning home run from Meagan Anders.
 
UVU will now head to Boise State for a non-conference doubleheader on Monday starting at noon MT.  The Wolverines, who have an off weekend in conference play this week, will also host Utah State on Wednesday at 4 p.m. MT.