BYU softball lost to Utah Valley 4-3 at Gail Miller Field on April 7, despite outhitting the Wolverines 11-5.
The game was significant for BYU as they tried to break a losing streak in Big 12 play. The Cougars (11-26, 2-10 Big 12) held the Wolverines scoreless over the final four innings and came close to tying the game in their last at-bat but left a runner stranded on third base.
Utah Valley started strong with three hits and one run in the first inning. BYU responded by getting Lily Owens and Hailey Shuler into scoring position but failed to capitalize. In the third inning, Utah Valley added three more runs, taking a commanding lead of 4-0.
BYU began its comeback in the bottom of the third when Miranda Mansfield singled and later scored on an Owens sacrifice fly. The Cougars continued to pressure, loading the bases in the fourth but grounding into a double play that ended their chance for more runs.
In later innings, BYU narrowed Utah Valley’s lead. Owens singled with two outs in the fifth before Shuler hit an RBI double, making it a two-run game. In their final at-bat, Acosta singled before Owens hit an RBI triple off center field padding, bringing BYU within one run. However, subsequent outs left Owens stranded at third as time ran out for another rally.
Looking ahead, BYU will continue its nine-game homestand with a three-game series against Houston from April 9–11.
