By Jonathan Boldt
Assistant Sports Editor
In their final tune up match before conference play begins, the Utah Valley Wolverines women’s soccer team defeated the University of Montana Grizzlies 3-2.
Senior and Providence, Utah native Ashley Burdett got the scoring started in the twenty eighth minute as she picked up a loose ball at the top of the box, off of a corner kick and buried it just inside the top left corner.
Just as quickly as the celebration stopped and play resumed, Montana took possession moving right down the field and within twenty six seconds of UVU’s goal the Grizzlies scored a goal of their own. India Watne scored the equalizer on an unassisted goal from the far right corner putting it in the far left corner of the net.
“Montana is a tough team,” Anderson said. “This was a good opportunity for us to see where we are at heading into conference and a good measuring stick for us as a team in general.”
Only six minutes later freshman McKell Salmon gave UVU the lead right back as she hooked a shot over the outstretched hand of Montana goalkeeper Kendra McMillen. The shot was from left of center, about twenty yards out, and hit the underside of the top post before falling into the goal giving the Wolverines a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime. Lexi Dunn was credited with the assist on the play.
Five minutes out of the break another senior decided to get in on the action. Camille Broderick took a ricochet off of the keeper and score the unassisted goal in the fifty first minute putting UVU almost totally out of reach with a score of 3-1.
Things got a little interesting in the eighty second minute when Montana freshman defender Brooke Moody scored on a rebound after an attempted free kick from 20 yards out on the right side was blocked by UVU keeper Lauren Sack. The Grizzlies would try to get things going into high gear but the Wolverines played sold defense and came off the pitch with a victory.
One reason for the victory tonight was UVU’s ability to get more scoring opportunities than their opponent, something that has been an issue up to this point in the season.
“Part of the reason for that is being at home and not on the road,” said Wolverines head coach Brent Anderson with a laugh. “We did give a good effort tonight and being aggressive will almost always give you a better chance to get some good looks.
While neither team has a stellar record on the year, UVU has challenged themselves with tough opponents and felt that Montana was no different.
“Montana is a tough team,” Anderson said. “This was a good opportunity for us to see where we are at heading into conference and a good measuring stick for us as a team in general.”
The Wolverines are a very young team with thirteen freshman and four sophomores making leadership a key factor in determining a successful season. Saturday’s game proved that experience often leads to successful outcomes as seniors scored two out of the three goals.
“We are looking for leadership from whoever will step up,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a freshman or a senior but I am glad those two stepped up tonight.”
Jonathan Boldt is also a Correspondent for the Daily Herald. He can be reached at jonboldt@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @jboldt24
