The University of Arizona softball team (17-5, 0-0 in Big 12) hosts BYU (5-14, 0-0 in Big 12) for the first conference series of the season. The first of a three game set is at 6 p.m. at Mike Candrea Field at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium on Thursday March 5. The other two games follow on Friday March 6 at 3 p.m. and Saturday March 7 at noon.
The Wildcats coming off of a dominant showing in the Hillenbrand Invitational look to continue the momentum as they host the Cougars. BYU is struggling to start the season, only recording five wins in their first 19 games of the season, looking to make a big statement on the road facing the red hot Wildcats.
History vs. BYU
Arizona holds an 11-2 lead in the all-time series against BYU. Historically, the Wildcats consistently perform well against the Cougars. Most recently in March 2025, where Arizona took two of three games in Provo which featured a perfect game by former Arizona softball star Devyn Netz. BYU current head coach Gordon Eakin, has struggled against Arizona going 2-9 in the 11 games played between both schools.
BYU this season
The Cougars look to turn their fortunes around as they enter conference play with only five wins in the non-conference slate. Being picked sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll, the slow start has been a surprise. Even with the poor record, the Cougars have played against some big time programs to start the year including ranked opponents which included losses to Clemson University, University of Tennessee, University of Arkansas and UCLA.
Sophomore catcher and outfielder Ilove’a Brittingham leads the way for the Cougars offensively, leading the team in hits, homeruns and RBIs. On the pitching side, junior left hander and Tucson native, Gianna Mares has taken the bulk of the innings, carrying a 6.07 earned run average and recording BYU’s only shutout of the season thus far.
Arizona this season
The Wildcats enter conference play with only five losses on the year, most of which coming from powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas. Infielder Sereniti Trice has led the way for the Wildcats offensively, going 10-14 scoring eight runs, and recording a 1.500 OPS in the Hillenbrand Invitational. On the other side, Jalen Adams went 2-0, with a 0.00 ERA while freshman Rylie Holder went 3-0 with a 1.08 over the weekend.
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