BYU Clinches Deseret First Duel

PROVO, Utah -- For the fourth time in its five-year history, BYU has clinched the Deseret First Duel title over rival University of Utah.

The Cougars' men's tennis team earned three Duel points after a 5-2 win over the Utes in Salt Lake City on Feb. 15, giving BYU a total of 28 points to Utah’s 13 so far this year. With a total of 50 points available in 13 sports, the Cougars needed 26 points to capture the 2011-12 title.

So far, BYU has claimed Deseret First Duel trophies in women's soccer, women's volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men's and women's swimming/diving and men's tennis. Utah collected its points from victories in football and gymnastics.

The BYU soccer team started the season off well with a 4-0 win, followed by a 3-0 sweep in volleyball. After losing in football, BYU bounced back with a 61-42 victory in men's basketball and hasn't trailed in the overall score since that victory. Softball, women’s tennis and baseball are scheduled to compete in March and April for their sports Duel titles that will add to the final tally.

The Deseret First Duel began in 2007 when BYU and Utah partnered with Deseret First Credit Union to create the rivalry series, a celebration of one of the nation’s oldest and most spirited college rivalries. BYU captured the inaugural title in 2007-08 and Utah won the following year in 2008-09. Since then, the Cougars have run off three-straight titles in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12.

The BYU vs. Utah rivalry is one of the oldest and strongest in the country. In November 2005, the Wall Street Journal rated the rivalry the fourth best in college athletics.

Coming Deseret First Duel Events

2011-12 Deseret First Duel Contests