BYU Goes Down 1-0 in Final Inning to SDSU

SAN DIEGO - Junior pitcher Hannah Howell scattered four hits and one walk in the first complete game of her career, but the BYU softball team couldn't provide run support, losing to San Diego State 1-0 on Thursday.

Howell held the Aztecs at bay before a two-out single in the bottom of the seventh gave San Diego State the walk-off win.

The Cougars set themselves up to possibly play the role of heartbreakers in the top of the seventh inning before the Aztec walk off. Junior outfielder Alexandra Hudson started the inning with a single, then advanced to second and finally to third on a grounder by freshman Shelbi Everett. 

Junior Bailie Hicken walked to set up BYU (9-7) with runners on the corners with still only one out, but a fly out and a ground out ended the Cougars' scoring chances.

Hudson led BYU, going 2 for 3, while sophomore Katie Manuma had the Cougars' other extra base hit, a double.

BYU loaded the bases early in the first inning with two outs before going down on strikes to end the inning. In the second inning, Hudson led off the frame with a double down the left line to set up the inning only to watch the next three batters go down.

Stacie Toney and Katie Manuma got as far as second base in the fourth and sixth innings, respectively, but Aztec pitcher Rebecca Arbino held the Cougars scoreless. Arbino finished with eight strikeouts.

BYU continues play on Friday at 11:30 a.m. PT against Cal State Northridge, a team the Cougars defeated 11-1 earlier this season. The second game of the day will be at 4 p.m. PT against Saint Joseph's.