Utah Valley (1-0) wasted little time striking in its season opener. In just the third minute, Sierra Pennock fired a shot that was deflected back to Hladek, who buried it from 15 yards out to put the Wolverines on the board. Just five minutes later, Faith Webber sent a cross into the box that connected with Jackson, who slotted it into the back of the net to give UVU a 2-0 advantage.

From there, it was Wolf and the Wolverine defense that stole the show. Wolf tallied 11 saves–tying her for the fourth most in a single match in program history–while recording her second career clean sheet.

“I’m really excited about the shutout. I thought Leah was fantastic, but I also thought our team defending was very good at times,” said UVU head coach Chris Lemay. “Utah is a potent side and created a lot of set pieces, but our players battled and defended well. To get the clean sheet in front of a great crowd and in such an unbelievable facility is really special. These players have worked hard, and they deserved this moment.”

Lemay praised Jackson for her early strike and continued development. “Nixan’s a handful for anybody,” Lemay said. “She’s got unbelievable athleticism, she’s crafty one-v-one, and she can finish. I’m really happy for her to get a big goal in such a big game.”

Courtesy UVU Marketing

For Wolf, the performance and the setting made for a night to remember.

“It is truly unreal. It really feels like this stadium should have always been here,” said Wolf. “It’s so special to look around and see all the people that came out to support us. Every time we step on this field, we want to earn it–earn the support, earn the investment, and show that UVU is here to stay. Tonight, we did that.”

The Wolverines will now turn their attention to another Power Five opponent as they travel to Lawrence, Kansas, to face Big 12 foe Kansas at Rock Chalk Park on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. MT.