BYU softball will travel to St. George for Utah Tech’s Trailblazer Classic after hosting its home opener against Abilene Christian, the team announced on Mar. 12.
The tournament is significant for BYU as it provides an opportunity to face new opponents and improve their record during a Big 12 bye week. The Cougars (6-17, 0-3 Big 12) are scheduled to play Omaha twice and Utah Tech once, with all games streamed on ESPN+.
In their recent home opener, BYU defeated Abilene Christian in five innings with a score of 10-1. Hailey Shuler and Lily Owens both hit home runs, while Bre Townsend, Maddie Udall-Woolley, and Kaiya Fabela contributed runs batted in. Shuler recorded a career-high four RBI and pitched four innings, allowing only two hits and one run while striking out five batters. Jada Villegas closed the game by retiring the side in order and striking out the last two batters.
For the season, BYU has a team batting average of .259, with four players hitting .300 or better: Shuler (.344), Rita Tavita (.333), Danica Acosta (.327), and Owens (.322). In pitching statistics, the Cougars have a team ERA of 7.78; Shuler leads with a 5.25 ERA and shares three wins each with Gianna Mares.
Nationally, BYU ranks 55th in strikeouts per seven innings (5.80) and fourth within the conference. The team is also ranked 91st nationally for double plays turned this season. Individual highlights include Villegas ranking No. 22 nationally for saves (two), Ilove’a Brittingham at No. 46 for runners caught stealing (five), Owens at No. 76 for walks per game (0.74), and Mares at No. 52 nationwide for strikeouts per seven innings (eight).
The upcoming games mark BYU’s first-ever meetings with Omaha, who arrive on a three-game losing streak but hold a strong neutral site record this year (13-1). Against Utah Tech, BYU leads the all-time series 10-0 and is undefeated at Karl Brooks Field.
After completing play at the Trailblazer Classic during their Big 12 bye week, BYU will resume conference action by visiting Oklahoma State for a three-game series beginning Thursday, Mar. 19.
