A 9-6 victory on May 3 capped BYU softball’s (28-21, 9-2) three-game sweep of Pacific (21-28, 8-7), keeping the Cougars atop the WCC standings and extending their win streak to 10 games.
“It was a hard-fought victory today,” said BYU head coach Gordon Eakin. “Pacific really wanted to send their seniors out on a high note, and they battled the whole way. I’m proud of our girls for not backing down and fighting just as hard for the win.”
In the top of the first inning the Cougars took an early 2-0 lead, but it wasn’t long before Pacific responded by scoring one run in the first inning and another run the second inning to tie the game at 2-2.
The Cougars looked to take control of the game after Ashley Thompson hit a two-run home run to left field in the top of the third, but Pacific bounced back with a grand slam from Melanie Habib in the fourth, giving the Tigers a 6-4 lead.
In the fifth inning, BYU’s second baseman, McKenzie St. Clair, scored after Ashlee Robinson singled to center field. With the bases loaded, the Cougars grounded out and failed to tie the score.
However, the Cougars didn’t allow Pacific’s lead to remain for long. In the sixth inning, the Cougars tied the score after a solo shot by Katie Manuma to right field. Once again, St. Clair came through for the Cougars with a double to right field followed by a walk for Ashley Thompson. Then Carly Duckworth singled to left field, allowing St. Clair to score and resulting in a (7-6) lead for the Cougars.
Two final BYU runs crossed the plate when St. Clair hit a high fly ball while the bases were loaded in the top of the seventh inning. Pacific’s infield allowed the ball to drop due to the harsh afternoon sun, resulting in a two-run single for St. Clair. Almond closed out the game for the Cougars with three consecutive outs after allowing back-to-back singles to Pacific.
The Cougars will put their 10-game win streak on the line when they play a doubleheader against Utah Valley University at Gail Miller Field on Tuesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. (MDT).
