OREM, Utah-Freshman forward Tori Smith made her first collegiate goal a game winner as Utah Valley picked up its fourth straight shutout in a 1-0 overtime victory over UNLV Sunday at Clyde Field.

With the win, Utah Valley keeps its unbeaten streak alive at six games and improves its record to 5-2-1. UNLV drops just its second match of the season, falling to 3-2-1 on the season.

“That was a great battle and UNLV put us under a lot of pressure,” said Utah Valley head coach Brent Anderson. “Our back line did a very good job shutting down UNLV and then playing the ball forward and finding those spaces that got our attack going. Our players maintained their composure throughout and created just a few good opportunities and then took the one that was most important. Every one of our players stepped up today and it was a total team effort. “

Smith scored her goal in the ninth minute of overtime as she received a short pass from junior forward Kali Stubbs on the right side of the goal and sent the ball past the UNLV keeper for the score, marking not only her first goal of the season but the first of her collegiate career. Stubbs and freshman forward Sydney Fitzpatrick were credited with each credited with an assist on the goal.

“It was amazing,” said Smith. “As soon as I saw the ball in the net I was going crazy. I was just so excited. It was so fun to get.

Jessica Duffin led the Wolverines in goal, recording five saves for her fourth straight shutout of the season. The junior keeper now holds an impressive 0.48 goals against average on the year.

“Jessica has been doing all the right things for us this season,” Anderson said. “She consistently makes one or two big saves that keep us in the game and get us wins.”

Utah Valley plays the final match of a seven-game home stand on Sept. 19 against UC Riverside. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. MT at Clyde Field. The Wolverines will then travel to play their final non-conference game of the season against in-state rival Utah in Salt Lake on Sept. 21.

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