The Lady Wolverines continued their dominance at home last Wednesday as they knocked off the Nevada Wolf Pack 65-56 to stay unbeaten at home this season. Utah Valley improved to 13-3 on the year including 9-0 in the friendly confines of the McKay Center.
"The way to build a program is to establish a winning tradition at home," said coach Cathy Nixon. "We’re glad we’ve been able to do that this year."
Over the break the Wolverines compiled 5-3 record with all of their wins coming at home. After losing two straight on the road to Montana State and BYU the Wolverines returned home to break the losing skid with a win over the University of Portland.
The winning wouldn’t last long as Utah Valley made the long trip to Durham, North Carolina where the No. 12 Duke Blue Devils rudely greeted them. However, in the 95-61 loss Robyn Fairbanks set a Cameron Indoor Stadium record with 20 rebounds.
The Wolverines returned from their first-ever meeting with a ranked opponent to play their next four games at home. The home stand came at an opportune time as Utah Valley ran the table with wins over Western State, Portland State, Gonzaga and Nevada.
Utah Valley’s dominance at home has helped the Wolverines jump out to their best start in their short Division I history. With two more wins Utah Valley will match its record for most wins in D-I, set last season with 15. With four of their next eight games remaining to be played at home, it’s expected they’ll eclipse last years mark and record the most wins in a season since becoming a division 1 program.
With a lack of fan support from the student body it’s difficult to pinpoint the reason for the Wolverines success at home this season. Whether it’s the familiarity with the building and comfort of being at home, or playing on the same court these women practice on the game results have not been as ambiguous.
"Taking care of our home court is something that’s definitely been a goal of ours," said Nixon. " A lot of it is that performance has to do with being comfortable."
