PROVO, Utah — BYU softball suffered a 9-6 loss to Houston in the opener of a doubleheader at Gail Miller Field on Friday afternoon.
The Cougars (19-13, 3-8 Big 12) tallied six runs on eight hits in the loss. Visiting Houston (21-13, 3-8 Big 12) matched the hit total, but outscored BYU to secure the win.
Player Highlights
- Huntyr Ava: 2-3, R, 2 RBI
- Lily Owens: 1-3, HR, 3 RBI
- Ailana Agbayani: 1-2, R, RBI
- Macy Simmons: 1-3, 2B
Houston jumped ahead 1-0 in the top of the first inning, scoring one run on one hit. BYU responded in the bottom of the first, evening the score with a leadoff single from Agbayani and an RBI single by Ava.
In the top of the third, highlighted by an RBI double off the top of the wall, Houston scored four runs on three hits to take a 5-1 lead. Houston continued to add to its lead, scoring four runs on two hits in the top of the fourth inning and go in front 9-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth.
A leadoff double in the bottom of the fifth from Macy Simmons and a following single from Hailey Morrow put runners on first and third for BYU with no outs. Agbayani followed with a sacrifice fly, before a later two-out single to right field from Violet Zavodnik once again put runners on first and third before an infield hit from Ava trimmed BYU's deficit to 9-3. A three-run home run to left field from Lily Owens ensued to bring BYU within three, 9-6.
BYU held Houston to a one-two-three inning in the top of the seventh before a leadoff walk from Agbayani opened the bottom half of the inning for BYU. Agbayani moved into scoring position with two outs after tagging up following Zavodnik's flyout to right field before a game-ending pop out to second from Ava gave Houston the 9-6 victory.
On Deck
BYU looks to bounce back in the second game of the doubleheader, which can be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. MDT.