BYU Women Win One, Drop Two in Second Day of Invitational

SAN JOSE -- A day after winning its first game ever, the BYU softball team split a doubleheader with San Jose State and fell to California in the second day of the San Jose State Early Bird Invitational Saturday.

BYU first took the field against San Jose State to complete a game postponed in the fourth inning yesterday due to darkness. When play resumed Saturday morning, the Cougars led, 4-3, off three RBI by first baseman Mindy Hanson. Designated hitter Emily Fernley then went 3-for-4 to finish with two RBI, and center fielder Lindsay Hodgen connected for three hits, two runs and an RBI to give the Cougars a final 7-4 margin of victory.

From there, the day went downhill, however. BYU faced California next, ranked 12th in the nation by USA Today, and pitcher Maryon Dewitt was rocked for six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of play as the Bears marched to an eventual 7-0 win. Cal's Jocelyn Forest allowed just one hit in the game, a single by Hanson, to shut out the Cougars.

In the final game of the day, BYU took on San Jose State one last time, but could not repeat its earlier domination, falling 6-3. Dewitt again took the loss to fall to 0-2 for the season. Veronica Ramos and Kirsten Foster each collected 2 RBI for the Hornets, while second baseman Jackie Ellis finished 2-for-3 with an RBI to lead the Cougar effort.

Following its first weekend, BYU finished with an even record of 2-2. The Cougars will take the field next Feb. 18 against San Diego.