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Show The College Times MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008 Wolverines' hockey earns valley bragging rights Eric May Sports writer The battle for supremacy has been waged, and the Wolverine hockey team emerged as the 7-3 victor over BYU. The Wolverines made the arduous journey to the Peaks Ice Arena, located closer to the BYU campus, to overwhelm the sparse blue and white dots sprinkled among the more than 2,300 fans in attendance. The fans, far exceeding the maximum capacity, were forced to stand in aisles and huddle closely behind the goals to watch the game, ignoring the threats of stoppage issued by the Provo fire marshal. Unfortunately for the Cougars, it was going to take more than a fire marshal to stop the Wolverines. The first period of play saw numerous visits to the penalty box for Utah Valley, more than double that of their opponents, which worked in their favor "as the Wolverines literally fotfght. hard to set the physical tone early in the game, attacking the undersized Cougar team. While the penalty killing team saw plenty of ice time, they allowed only one short handed goal the entire game, which came as BYU struck first, scoring against an outnumbered Wolverine defense. Down 0-1 halfway through the first, the crowd got louder and the Wolverines skated harder and answered back with an unassisted goal from defenseman Michael Drummond. As quick as the slap-shot goal from the sophomore returned the game to an even plane, the high scoring Wolverine offense shook off the SetHOCKEY* BS Photos by Ken Hoglund / College Timei (Above) UV hockey players celebrate after scoring against BYU in the rivalry game. (Right) Wolverines Matt Guthrie slams a BYU player against the glass in the 7-3 win over the Cougars, Departures don't mean lower expectations for softball Matt Beaudin Assistant sports editor Ken Hoglund / College Times Sophomore Jessica Anderson waits for a ball to come her way in a home game against the College of Idaho. Even with unexpected departures depleting the softball team this season, accepting mediocrity is a thought coach Todd Fairborn refuses to entertain. Not even a 3-9 record to start the 2008 campaign shakes the coach's belief that his team will compete at a high level. Being short on pitchers and other positional players this season has offered opportunity for others to step up. Fairborn has preached to his team the importance of preparation. "When the opportunity arises, they jump on it," Fairborn said. "We have to find a way to be successful and find a way to win." So far, the Wolverines have looked to sophomore Alii Bramwell to step in and pitch. "What she does pitching will dictate how we do," Fairborn said. Bramwell, a transfer from Snow College, was named the Class 5A MVP as a senior at Timpanogos High School. Her 3-2 record and 4.85 ERA have led the Wolverines to their only wins of the season. Offensively, Utah Valley will rely on junior Heidi Stocks to drive in runs and get on base. With a .424 batting average and 10 RBI's so far, she has provided the pop in the Wolverine lineup. Fairborn will need to cul- tivate some young talent as several newcomers will see extended playing time. "I hope they all produce," he said of his youngsters. "If they don't, we'll have a mediocre year." A tough schedule could also cause havoc for Utah Valley. The Wolverines will play teams from the Big 12, Big 10, WAC and MWC. They also play 33 games on the road to 18 at home this season. Toughness and preparation will be key to the Wolverines' success this year, according to Fairborn. "I'm a poor loser," Fairborn said. "When it comes down to it, you base your success on wins and loses." |