The BYU women’s softball took on the University of Utah in the Deseret Duel in Salt Lake on Tuesday afternoon, beating their in-state rival 5-4.
After three scoreless innings, BYU took the lead after a throwing error allowed Coco Bond to make it home in the top of the fourth inning.
In the sixth inning, the light rain turned to snow flurries and the play heated up with two BYU runs and two Utah runs. A triple from Gordy Bravo brought Caitlyn Larsen and McKenzie St. Clair home. The offensive effort from the Cougars forced a pitching change for Utah, closing the inning.
Back to back doubles Utah doubles brought the score to 3-2, but solid pitching from McKenna Bull prevented further runs.
“BYU and Utah games are always intense,” BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. “This is a tough place to play and they are a very good team. I’m very proud of our players for not only playing a good game, but fighting through the elements, sticking with it, and ultimately pulling off a win.”
Libby Sugg’s home run secured the Cougar victory in the seventh inning, bringing home Ashley Thompson. Sugg is in a two-way tie for second in the NCAA for home reasons this season with 12. Leading the offensive effort, she and Bravo both had two RBI .
This weekend, the Cougars head to the San Diego Classic II for five games Thursday through Saturday.
