BYU Takes 8-2 Record to Palm Springs

PROVO -- The BYU softball team (8-2) heads to California for the Palm Springs Classic on the heels of a three-game winning streak.

The Cougars, who beat No. 7 Oregon State last week, will try their hand at another ranked team this weekend in 2006 National Champion runner-up and now No. 12 Northwestern. However, BYU head coach Gordon Eakin says his team is not placing any extra emphasis on the matchup.

"We focus on what we need to do, not on who we're playing," Eakin said. "We need to execute the bunt better to move runners into scoring position. We need to continue to play with confidence. So far we've been pretty pleased, but we just need to continue to play with composure and confidence."

Junior outfielder Emi Snow, who was named Mountain West Conference Softball Player of the Week, hit .294 and drove in six RBI while posting a .824 slugging percentage at the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic last week. Eakin said Snow has done a great job of quietly contributing to the team's success.

"Emi is a very clutch player," Eakin said. "She just goes about her work and gets the job done."

BYU faces Loyola Marymount for the second time this season on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. PST, and then play against Virginia at 8:30 p.m. Friday brings another double-header, as the Cougars play No. 12 Northwestern at 12:30 p.m. and Ohio State at 5:30 p.m.

Illinois-Chicago will be the final team BYU meets at the Palm Springs Classic. The two teams are scheduled to play at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Games against Virginia and Ohio State will be available via livestats, while Northwestern will provide live audio.