Nov. 9, 2009

NEWARK, N.J. - Utah Valley University won the inaugural Great West Conference Soccer Championship Monday afternoon with a 1-0 win over Houston Baptist at Newark, N.J.

It was the third time the two teams had met this season with UVU winning the previous contest, 3-2, while the first meeting ended in a 1-1 double-overtime tie.

The championship game, hosted by NJIT, was no different as the two teams had another defensive battle.

UVU's Katey Turner, who had been tremendous throughout the championship for the Wolverines, scored an unassisted goal at the 47:43 mark, which proved to be the game and championship winner. She was honored as the tournament's most valuable player at the conclusion of the match.

Shots were even at 12-12 for the two teams, with UVU holding a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. HBU held a 4-2 lead in corner kicks.

HBU's Michelle Rich and UVU's Tasha Bell, both all-conference goalkeepers, made six and four saves, respectively, on the afternoon.

The Huskies finish the season 9-9-3, while Utah Valley ends its championship season, 9-10-1.

Joining Turner on the all-tournament team were Tasha Bell (UVU), Brooke Salcido (UVU), Adrienne Schnieder (UVU), Isla Cameron (HBU), Kelsey Reichow (HBU), Gabby Trujillo (HBU), Aliyah Glenn (Howard), Retha Koefoed (Howard), Brittany Harty (UND) and Rachael Loomis (UND).

Commissioner Ed Grom was on hand to present team and individual awards.