Utah Valley women's soccer secured at least a share of the Big West regular-season championship with a 2-0 shutout victory over Long Beach State on Wednesday night, Oct. 28, 2026, at UCCU Stadium. Nixan Jackson and Sadie Beardall each scored to lead the Wolverines to the win, marking the program's sixth regular-season conference title and its first in the Big West.
Championship History and Dominance
The victory at UCCU Stadium improves Utah Valley to a 12-4-3 overall record and maintains an 8-0-2 record in Big West play. The win extends the Wolverines' winning streak to six matches and their overall unbeaten streak to 11. Additionally, the team has extended its regular-season conference unbeaten streak to 42 matches and its home regular-season conference unbeaten streak to 32 matches.
Conference Transition Success
The championship marks the fifth consecutive conference regular-season title for Utah Valley, following four straight Western Athletic Conference titles from 2022 through 2025. The Wolverines, who entered the season ranked fourth in the Big West preseason coaches' poll, have not lost a regular-season conference match since Oct. 8, 2022, at Seattle U. Their last regular-season home conference loss occurred on March 11, 2021, against California Baptist.
Coach Reflects on Competition
Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay expressed excitement regarding the team's performance during its inaugural season in the Big West. "I'm really excited for the group," Lemay said. "They put in the work, the sacrifice, the commitment, the trust, and they've been increasingly getting better. I'm super proud and so excited for this group. Obviously, it's a brand-new conference, and to come out here and do what we've done has been impressive."
Increased Level of Play
Lemay noted that the transition to the Big West forced the team to maintain higher levels of consistency. "We were forced to be more consistent," Lemay said regarding the move from the Western Athletic Conference. "We didn't have games that we could take the day off and get a result. Long Beach is a really good team, and the level of this conference is better than what we were playing in prior to. For us to be able to come out and do it again in a more difficult schedule and a more difficult conference has been a tribute to how good this team can be."
Jackson Breaks the Deadlock
The Wolverines opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Addie Olson raced down the left side of the field, beat a defender, and entered the box to send a cross to Nixan Jackson. Jackson redirected the ball with a left-footed, one-touch finish for her seventh goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Olson.
Beardall Seals the Win
Utah Valley doubled its lead in the 83rd minute following a combination between Quinn Rustand and Bailey Peterson near the box. Rustand received the return pass and sent a ball into the area that deflected to Sadie Beardall, who finished from close range for her team-leading 12th goal of the season. Rustand was credited with the assist.
Defensive Stand
Freshman goalkeeper Madeleine Boucher recorded her sixth individual shutout of the season, making five saves to help the defense secure its seventh team shutout. Boucher's season record improved to 12-2-3 following the win.
