Cougars split second day of Bulldog Classic

FRESNO, Calif. – BYU softball split the second day of the Bulldog Classic with a loss to UC Davis 9-4 but held off North Dakota State for a 1-0 win. 

"We struggled today to find the energy necessary to play two games at a high level," BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. "Autumn Moffat gave us a much-needed lift in game two throwing a 3-hit shutout. The win was a work of art from the circle but an ugly win offensively. But, we will take the win."

Game One

Player Highlights

• Rylee Jensen-McFarland: 2-3, 2R, 1RBI, 2B, HBP

After UC Davis’ pitcher hit back-to-back BYU batters in the first, a sacrifice fly from Martha Epenessa brought Rylee Jensen-McFarland across the plate to give BYU a 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless second inning, UC Davis took the lead putting up two runs in the top of the third frame to make the score 2-1.

The Aggies continued their scoring in the fourth as three runners made it across the plate pushing UC Davis’ lead to 5-1.

In the bottom of the fifth, BYU started to gain momentum. Taylei Williams doubled to center field to lead off the inning. Erin Miklus followed grounding out but moved Williams to third.

Jensen-McFarland put the ball over the centerfielder's head and made it all the way to second base, sending Williams home to make the score 5-2. Another groundout moved Jensen-McFarland to third before Huntyr Ava reached on a throwing error and scored Jensen-McFarland. The Cougars ended the inning with the score at 5-3.

BYU closed the gap in the bottom of the sixth inning putting up one run to make the score 5-4 as Brooke Hill made it home on a throwing error.

UC Davis came out swinging in the top of the seventh inning putting up four runs, pushing its lead to 9-4. The Cougars were unable to score in the bottom of the seventh and fell 9-4. 

Game Two

Player Highlights

• Rylee Jensen-McFarland: 1-3, 1R, 2B
• Marth Epenesa: 2-3, 1RBI
• Autumn Moffat: W (7-3), 7.0 IP, 3H, 0R, 3K

As the leadoff hitter, Jensen-McFarland got BYU moving, smacking a double to left field to get BYU in scoring position. A wild pitch moved her to second and a single from Epenesa brought Jensen-McFarland home as the Cougars went up 1-0.

The BYU defense turned 14 groundouts to keep North Dakota State scoreless in the game and the Cougars finished out with a 1-0 win.  

The Cougars close out the Bulldog Classic with one game against East Carolina at 2:30 p.m.PT. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.