Affleck and Purcell Honored

FRESNO -- BYU softball catcher Jessica Purcell was named Tournament MVP at the Bayer Cropscience Classic on Sunday, and sophomore pitcher Paige Affleck was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

In addition to the individual honors, the team was named Tournament Champions with a 4-1 finish at the Classic.

“It was exciting to see us play so well consistently,” BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. “We put together five games with pitching, defense and offense. We are looking forward to continue to play at this level.”

Purcell finished the tournament batting .526 over the span of four games. She totaled 9 RBI off of 10 hits, 4 doubles, 1 triple and 2 homers. The honor is the first for Purcell this season.

“Jessica was incredible this weekend,” Eakin said. “She got timely hit after timely hit, and she did a great job behind the plate. She was nothing short of amazing.”

Affleck pitched a total of 19.2 innings, allowing only 2 earned runs off of 6 hits with 21 strikeouts. Affleck brings home an ERA of 0.71 from the Classic. She received the win in the Cougars combined 10-inning no hitter against No. 21/24 Fresno State.

“Both pitchers threw extremely well,” Eakin said. “We allowed only six earned runs in five games, which is attributed to the great job our pitchers did. Paige had a great weekends and the award was well deserved.”

In the extra-innings duel, BYU pulled ahead on a two-run double from Purcell in the top of the 10th.

The Cougars, 14-11, continue play when they head to Tampa, Fla., for the Uuniversity of Florida Underarmour Showcase.