PROVO -- The BYU Softball team opened up their fall season Sept. 23 & 24 at Miller Park with convincing shutout wins over Southern Utah and Snow College.
In Thursday's game against the Thunderbirds of Southern Utah, the Cougars struck hard scoring seven runs in the third inning that included solo home runs by Daniella Urincho, Debbie Dodds, and a three-run home run by Ashlyn Russell.
Freshman newcomer Urincho, pitched the first three scoreless innings with junior Brooke Boyce handling the fourth and fifth innings and senior Nikki Anderson finishing the game. After two more runs in the fifth inning, the Cougars concluded the game with nine runs and 10 hits. BYU head coach Gordon Eakin liked what he saw on the defensive side of the ball.
"Out hitting was good, but I expect that, I was real pleased with our pitching and our fielding," Eakin said.
In Friday's game, BYU overwhelmed Snow College with superior hitting and a stifling defense. BYU pitcher, Summer Tobias, the recent junior transfer from Nebraska, debuted for the Cougars and showed her ability shutting out the Badgers with the help of Boyce and even an unexpected showing from Neta Le`I at pitcher.
The contest showcased the offensive ability of the Cougars that will surely carry over into the regular season. BYU's hitting onslaught included freshman Emi Snow's first collegiate home run and numerous hits by almost every Cougar athlete.
BYU continues their fall schedule in Salt Lake City Oct. 1 at 12 noon and 2 p.m. against UVSC and Utah State respectively. Oct. 2 includes contests versus UVSC at 12 noon and Utah at 4 p.m. also in Salt Lake City.