BYU softball will host its first Big 12 Conference home series against Kansas at Gail Miller Field, starting Thursday, Mar. 26.
The matchup marks a significant moment for the Cougars as they return home after playing most of their first 30 games on the road this season. The three-game set begins with two evening games on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., followed by an early game Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
BYU enters the series with a record of 10-20 overall and 1-5 in conference play. The team recently secured an 8-5 non-conference win over Utah Valley, highlighted by strong performances from freshmen Kaiya Fabela and Rita Tavita, who combined for five hits and five runs batted in. Pitcher Hailey Shuler earned her fourth win of the year, while Jada Villegas picked up her third save.
Last week, BYU managed to take one game from then-No. 23/21 Oklahoma State, marking its first Big 12 victory and its first win over a ranked opponent this season. Lily Owens contributed with a two-run home run in that game.
Statistically, BYU ranks No. 83 nationally in total home runs (28) and No. 87 in home runs per game (0.93). In conference rankings, the Cougars are sixth for both strikeouts per seven innings (5.04) and sacrifice bunts (10). Ilove’a Brittingham is second in the league for runners caught stealing (six), while Villegas is second for saves (three), and Owens ranks third after being hit by six pitches.
Kansas comes into Provo with a record of 23-9 overall and is tied with BYU historically; each team has won five games against each other all-time. The Jayhawks won their opening two Big 12 series this year against Houston and Utah but have only played once before at BYU’s field during an NCAA Regional tournament in 2006.
Following this weekend’s series, BYU will travel to face No.2 Texas Tech next week.
