OREM—Nicole Ray and Heather Stainbrook each scored goals to lead the Utah Valley University women's soccer team to a 2-0 season-opening shutout victory over Arizona on Friday evening in front of 2,533 fans at Clyde Field.

"We asked our players to lean on their experience and playing in big games is not something new for us," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "Certainly, having the fans here was unbelievable. The environment was just right. We were getting close in preseason camp and had most of the pieces together and tonight it all kicked in."
 
Utah Valley got on the scoreboard at the 18-minute mark as Sadie Brockbank settled the ball near midfield and then sent a pass to the right side to Amber Tripp. Tripp then led a ball to a streaking Nicole Ray on the left side near the top of the box. Ray then fired a shot with her left foot past the Arizona keeper to give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead.
 
Heather Stainbrook made a move past a defender and then was fouled from behind just outside the box in the 68th minute. Stainbrook fired in a low shot into the back of the net to give the Wolverines a 2-0 advantage.
 
The Wolverine defense held Arizona to just one shot and controlled nearly 60 percent of the possession on the night. UVU outshot UA 16-1, including a 6-0 advantage on frame. Brooklyn Nielsen picked up the win in the box.
 
Stainbrook and Brockbank led UVU with four shots apiece. Ray and Trip each had two shots, while Breanna Eves, Julianna Carter, London Miller, and Manthy Brady each had one shot.
 
Utah Valley continues play at home on Monday, Aug. 23 against Big Sky Conference preseason favorite Northern Arizona. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.