Women split doubleheader against SDSU

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Utah Valley’s softball team got a much needed win in the second game of a doubleheader over South Dakota State last Wednesday. The win improved the Wolverines dismal record to 5-17 on the young season.

With junior Heidi Stocks on the mound slinging strikes and slapping singles, Utah Valley blew away the Jackrabbits 13-5 in game two of the twin bill.

Utah Valley combined for 18 hits, including at least one for each starter – this after losing 5-1 in the first game.

After a tough trip to Las Vegas where the Wolverines lost four straight to quality teams from the Mountain West and Big 12 Conferences, coach Todd Fairbourne is hoping that the lopsided win will give Utah Valley some needed momentum.

"We hope this sets us on the right track," he said. "It’s nice to get a home win."

Junior college transfer Shelley Manuel led Utah Valley as she went 3-for-4 with four RBIs in the dominating effort. Stocks not only got her first win of the season, but also went 4-for-5 from the plate, including a single that bounced off the top of the fence just inches away from a home run.

"It feels great to finally get that first win," Stocks said.
The Wolverines will take every win they can get, as this is so far shaping up to be a harsh season.

"We finally put together a big inning," Fairbourne said. "We’ve been close before, but today we put it together."

Utah Valley’s other four wins came with Alli Bramwell on the mound, and it appears thus far that the Wolverines will have a two-person rotation this season. Stocks’ win improved her record to 1-7 on the year while Bramwell is 4-5. Utah Valley will take the field again when they play host in a doubleheader against Utah State on March 25 and then welcome the University of Utah.