OREM, Utah — You only get one chance to make an opening statement, and Utah Valley women’s soccer made a big, bold statement Wednesday night in its inaugural Big West tilt.
Nixan Jackson had a goal and two assists, and Sadie Beardall and Brynlee Austin each added a brace as the Wolverines rolled to a 7-1 win over CSU Bakersfield in front of 1,547 fans at UCCU Stadium.
But this one went even beyond the final scoreline.
Utah Valley (5-4-1, 1-0 Big West) out-shot the visitors 31-3, including 16 shots on target — and could have done more if Bakersfield goalkeeper Addyson Evens didn’t make nine saves while allowing seven goals.
“We talked about the first opportunity to play in the Big West, and we were the first program to have that opportunity,” UVU coach Chris Lemay said. “This was a big deal, we were excited about being in the Big West, and we talked all week about making a big statement.
“I think we did that.”
Indeed, they did.
And it started early.
Beardall opened the scoring less than 10 minutes in, crashing the box to finish a cross from Jackson.
CJ Walters equalized for the Roadrunners (1-8-1, 0-1 Big West) just three minutes later.
But Jackson put the Wolverines back in front just before the half-hour mark, finishing a left-footed shot from the right side of the box to go 2-1 up in the 29th minute.
Utah Valley out-shot the Roadrunners 13-2 with a massive 72% possession in the first half, putting six shots on goal. But Evens made four saves to keep the visitors within one after 45 minutes.
Beardall stretched the lead to 3-1 less than two minutes after halftime, heading home Isabella Stewart’s cross int he 47th minute of play.
Jackson and Beardall combined to set up Josie Clawson for a fourth goal, and Tess Livingston bagged another off Sam Curtis’ second assist in the 77th minute.
“There is no doubt in my mind, and I watch a lot of college soccer, that Nixan is one of the most talented forwards in the country — especially when she does pay attention to this details and her service,” Lemay said. “We haven’t played against anyone that can keep up with her yet.”
Austin capped the scoring with a brace, first finishing a pass from Addie Olson in the lower-right corner in the 83rd minute before adding a seventh goal three minutes from time for the final margin.
Utah Valley heads to La Jolla, California, on Saturday to face UC San Diego (8 p.m. MT, ESPN+) for the first of a two-match road swing before returning home Oct. 3 against Cal State Fullerton.
