BYU softball opened the Judi Garman Classic with a split in its Thursday doubleheader at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, California. The Cougars lost their first game 3-2 to Cal State Fullerton but rebounded with a 7-6 win over Cal.
In the opening matchup against Cal State Fullerton, BYU fell behind early after the Titans scored two runs in the first inning with a walk, stolen base and home run. The Titans added another run in the second to lead 3-0. BYU narrowed the gap in the fourth when Maddie Udall-Woolley hit a double to drive in two runs, making it 3-2. However, despite putting runners on base later in the game, BYU was unable to score again and left four runners stranded.
Key performances for BYU included Maddie Udall-Woolley going 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Ilove’a Brittingham reaching base three times with a single and two walks.
In the second game against Cal, BYU responded after giving up an early run by scoring twice in the bottom of the first inning. Hailey Morrow hit a home run following Lily Owens being hit by a pitch. In the second inning, BYU extended its lead by scoring four more runs through singles from Rita Tavita and Lexie Bennett, as well as contributions from Danica Acosta and others. By the end of that frame, BYU led 6-1.
Cal managed to close the gap late in the game, cutting BYU’s lead to just one run at 7-6 during the seventh inning. However, pitcher Jada Villegas secured the final outs to preserve BYU’s victory.
Notable statistics from Game 2 include Hailey Morrow going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs; Rita Tavita finishing 3-for-4; Danica Acosta adding an RBI; Lexie Bennett driving in one run; Hailey Shuler pitching 3.2 innings for her first win of the season; Gianna Mares contributing out of relief; and Jada Villegas earning her second save.
With these results, BYU moved its record to 4-12 overall (0-0 Big 12). The team is scheduled to play Seattle next at the Judi Garman Classic on Friday at 9:30 a.m. PT.
