OREM—Ruby Hladek scored twice and Faith Webber added a late header as Utah Valley blanked Utah Tech, 3–0, on Monday night in the regular season home finale at UCCU Stadium.
With the win, the Wolverines move to 11-4-2 overall and 7-0-1 in WAC play, extending their unbeaten streak to eight. UVU can clinch a fourth straight WAC regular-season championship with a win Thursday at Abilene Christian.
Hladek opened the scoring in the 13th minute. After a quick build-up from Kate Shirts to Faith Webber and on to Josie Shepherd, Shepherd slipped a pass to Hladek, who beat a defender and finished inside the right post for a 1–0 lead. Hladek doubled the advantage midway through the second half, tucking home a first-time shot at the far post from a low service by Nixan Jackson—her second brace of the season.
Webber capped the night in the 83rd minute, heading in a lofted cross from Sierra Pennock after a neat sequence involving Webber, Shepherd, and Sadie Beardall. Webber has now scored in nine of UVU's 17 matches this season.
Utah Valley outshot Utah Tech 32–8, including 12–6 on frame, and held a 9–4 edge in corners. Webber led all players with 14 shots (five on goal), while Hladek added seven attempts with three on target.
Goalkeeper Leah Wolf earned the clean sheet with six saves across 90 minutes—her second solo shutout and fourth combined shutout of the year.
"It was just a good day. We were ready to play, and it was a great environment," said Hladek. "We had a lot of fans, and our team came in hungry after tying them last time. We knew we were the better team and focused on what we do best. All three goals were quality team goals—great connections and the right details. It's been fun to see everything click and to keep growing together like a family."
As she reflected on her final regular season at UCCU Stadium, Hladek added, "I've grown so much here—mentally, physically, and technically. The coaches have really pushed me, and I've worked on finishing and rewarding myself for the chances I create. We're not satisfied with just the regular season; the big goal is the WAC Tournament and going further."
UVU head coach Chris Lemay praised his team's composure and finishing. "It wasn't our best overall performance, but we defended well and limited their opportunities," Lemay said. "We played in their half most of the game and scored three really good goals. I thought the sequences leading up to the goals and the finishing were excellent. We showed maturity in how we managed the match."
On Hladek's impact, Lemay added, "Ruby has grown so much as a player since she's been here. Her work ethic is tireless—she's great off the dribble, distributes well, and is finishing better than ever. She's one of the best goal scorers in the country, and one of the best overall players. What's special is how she and Faith complement each other—they make each other look good and are each other's biggest cheerleaders."
Utah Valley closes the regular season on the road at Abilene Christian on Thursday and Tarleton State on Sunday. Both matches will stream live on ESPN+.
