Cougars earn sweep over Pacific with 11-1 victory

PROVO, Utah – The BYU softball team earned the sweep over Pacific after an 11-1 win in game three on Saturday afternoon at Gail Miller Field.

"We played a complete game today," BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. "Our pitching, defense and offense were all exceptional. Every player is playing a valuable role in each win. If we keep being selfless and fighting for each other, I like what I see."

Game Highlights:

• The Cougars (19-16, 6-1 WCC) jumped to a quick start as they took an early 3-0 lead after one inning with Emilee Erickson leading the way with a double.
• Both teams scored a single run in the second inning. Paulson’s single to center field sent home Taylei Williams for BYU.
• Rylee Jensen’s home run highlighted the third inning as the Cougars scored four runs to extend their advantage to 8-1.
• Marissa Chavez and Jensen recorded RBI’s while Aubrey Paulson stole home to extend BYU’s lead to 11-1 after four innings.

Player Highlights:

• Rylee Jensen: 3-3, 2R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
• Marissa Chavez: 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI
• Arissa Paulson: 5.0 IP, 0 BB, 4 K

BYU vs. Pacific Game 3 Box

Rylee Jensen led the offense after going 3 for 3, including 3 RBI, one double and a homer. Arissa Paulson earned the win as she tallied four strikeouts and allowed just one run on two hits. 

The Cougars’ bats were swinging early as Jensen singled up the middle on the first pitch of the game. Taylei Williams reached on a walk and an error let Paulson get on base, resulting in the first run of the game for BYU. Emilee Erickson doubled to left field for another run and after back-to-back walks, the Cougars took an early 3-0 lead after one inning.

In the second inning and with runners on first and second, the Tigers (14-25, 0-6 WCC) scored their first run as a single through the left side sent a player across home plate. Paulson answered in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single to center field to extend BYU’s advantage to 4-1.

Lexi Tarrow hit a triple to right field and slid home two batters later, beating a throw to Pacific’s catcher. Jensen followed with a two-run blast down the right field line. Libby Sugg doubled in another run to bring the score to 8-1.

Paulson retired the side in order in the fourth inning. A hit by pitch and walk put runners on first and second for BYU and a single by Marissa Chavez tallied the ninth run. Aubrey Paulson stole home after a botched rundown at second and third and a double from Jensen added one more as the Cougars held an 11-1 lead.

A strikeout and consecutive pop ups closed out the top of the fifth inning and ultimately the game as BYU claimed the sweep in the series.

The Cougars host Utah Valley in the UCCU Crosstown Clash on Tuesday, Apr. 16, at 6 p.m. MDT. The game will be played at Gail Miller Field and will be available on BYUtv Digital.