BYU softball defeated Abilene Christian, 10–1, in its home opener on March 10, ending the game after five innings due to the run rule.
The win marks a high point for the Cougars (6–17, 0–3 Big 12), who scored all ten of their runs in the first three innings. The early offensive surge allowed BYU to secure a decisive victory and end a recent losing streak.
Hailey Shuler led both offensively and defensively, pitching four innings with five strikeouts and also going two-for-three at the plate with a home run and four runs batted in. Danica Acosta contributed by scoring twice and hitting two-for-two, while Maddie Udall-Woolley also crossed home plate twice. Lily Owens added her fourth home run of the season, driving in three runs.
The Cougars took an early lead in the first inning when Shuler singled up the middle to bring Acosta home. Bre Townsend followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Ilove’a Brittingham. In the second inning, Shuler hit her second home run of the season, bringing in Udall-Woolley and Acosta. The third inning saw further scoring as Udall-Woolley and Kaiya Fabela each drove in runs before Owens’ two-run homer capped off a five-run frame.
Abilene Christian managed one run on a solo homer in the fourth inning but was held scoreless otherwise as BYU maintained control for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead, BYU will travel to Utah Tech for the Trailblazer Classic. The team is scheduled to play three games starting against Omaha on Friday, March 13 at 11 a.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
