From Deseret News archives:
'High expectations' for UVSC golfers
Team begins spring tourney play; women hoopsters in action
Despite shooting a tournament-low 289 in the second round the Wolverines finished in ninth place by scoring a tournament-high 318 in the third round.
The 54-hole tournament, hosted by Loyola Marymount University, included teams such as UCLA, Santa Clara and Cal Poly.
"None of our players quit," said head coach Tommy Johnson. "They just need to learn how to fight through when things aren't going great. The only thing that will make this better is if we learn from it."
After competing well in four fall tournaments, the Wolverines have scheduled five spring tournaments.
"I have high expectations for our team," Johnson said. "We have been able to practice outside and play a lot because we have had such good weather. Our players are as good as anybody and they need to believe that."
The team consists of 11 golfers, five of which traveled to this week's tournament. Highlighting the list are Cody Powers and Nic van Vuuren, both of which scored career lows in the fall season.
Powers shot a 64 in the second round of the BSU Bronco Round Up, while van Vuuren scored a 65 in the third round of the Ron Moore Invitational. The rounds are also tied for all-time lows at Utah Valley State.
Tadd Cox finished this week's tournament tied for 15th with score of 223 (+10) while van Vuuren scored the lowest single round of the tournament for the Wolverines of 70 (-1).
"Their mindset has already changed, and I see improvements every day," Johnson said. "They know they can finish, but they need to know that they can win tournaments."
Alongside this week's tournament, the Wolverines make trips to California two more times and St. George before finishing the season at the Cougar Classic, hosted by Brigham Young University, at Riverside Country Club in Provo.
"We have a very competitive schedule this spring," Johnson said "It will be good for our players to see how they measure up. We had a very good fall, and we are looking to build on that."
MEN'S BASKETBALL: After losing a tough game to Missouri-Kansas City on Monday, the Wolverines (11-11) have a week off to prepare for Grand Canyon to come to Orem on Tuesday. Ronnie Price tied his season high of 35 points in the loss to the Mid-Continent Conference leader.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: The Wolverines continue their road trip tonight as they visit San Diego State. Utah Valley State lost to Jacksonville State on Monday despite a career high 19 points from Rebekah Fales.
BASEBALL: The Wolverines open their season this weekend in St. George against Southern Utah with a game each on Friday and Saturday.
SOFTBALL: The Wolverines started their season by losing four games in St. George in the BYU/UVSC tournament. Utah Valley lost twice Friday to Utah and BYU before losing twice Saturday to Southern Utah and Utah again.
Utah Valley State is in New Mexico this weekend at the Hilton Las Cruces Classic, with games against New Mexico State, Arkansas, Purdue, Texas-Arlington, Kansas and Missouri-Kansas City.
