Texas Tech opened the top of the first inning by launching a solo homer to right field, landing it close to the scoreboard. Following a single, the Red Raiders capitalized on a passed ball, advancing to second and securing another single to notch a 2-0 lead.
Ailana Agbayani and Violet Zavodnik’s singles paved the way for Ava’s line-drive double to left center, allowing both runners to dash home and tie the game at 2-2. Udall then stepped up with a single up the middle, bringing Ava across the plate and propelling BYU to a 3-2 lead to cap off the productive inning.
Pitching two strikeouts, Chloe Temples helped hold Texas Tech scoreless in the top of the second.
BYU capitalized on its momentum with another explosive 3-run inning to seize a 6-2 advantage. Kamoku led off with a solo home run to right center, followed by Taryn Lennon’s walk and Agbayani reaching on a fielder's choice.
A walk from Maddie Bejarano loaded the bases, setting up Zavodnik’s single to center field. Lily Owens’ fielder’s choice brought in another run, and Ava added to the tally with a single to short for another Cougar run. Despite an inning-ending strikeout, BYU wrapped up the inning with three runs on three hits.
After a Texas Tech single to kick off the top of the third, the Red Raiders nailed a home run to center field to rack up two scores. After a walk, another home run quickly evened the score at 6-6.
Both teams remained deadlocked without scoring for the ensuing innings. In the top of the fourth frame, Texas Tech faced a swift shutdown as Udall retired the first three batters, recording each out unassisted at first base.
BYU saw a golden opportunity slip away in the bottom of the fifth inning. Udall doubled to left field before Hailey Morrow singled. Kamoku was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. A Texas Tech double play halted the momentum before Agbayani hit to first base and grounded out.
Strong pitching from Gianna Mares kept Texas Tech scoreless with zero hits in the top of the sixth.
The Cougars then embarked on what would become the game-sealing stretch. After leadoff batter Bejarano was hit by a pitch and Zavodnik walked, Owens laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance runners into scoring position. Ava then walked to load the bases. Udall capitalized with a powerful slam to left center on the ninth pitch of her at-bat for the Cougars’ fourth grand slam of the year to make it 10-6.
The Red Raiders cut the deficit to two at 10-8 and loaded the bases with two outs, but Kate Dahle held strong on the mound to force a foul out down the line to earn a save and seal the victory.
Up Next
In a quick turnaround, BYU will host Utah Valley on Monday, Mar. 11 at 4 p.m. at Gail Miller Field. Live stats will be available.
