In a weekend packed with emotion, intensity, and high stakes, BYU softball made a thunderous statement in its first-ever Big 12 series — and it came at the expense of its fiercest rival. With a clean sweep of the University of Utah, the Cougars didn’t just win; they dominated, turning heads across the conference and signaling they’re not here just to compete — they’re here to contend.
The series, held at BYU’s Gail Miller Field, had all the makings of a classic: a historic rivalry, a new conference setting, and teams eager to prove themselves. But it was the Cougars who rose to the occasion, delivering clutch performances, airtight defense, and explosive offense in all three games.
Game one set the tone with a nail-biting finish. BYU’s senior pitcher, Ava Thompson, kept Utah’s batters at bay with seven strikeouts and just three hits allowed. In the bottom of the seventh, with the game tied 2–2, freshman standout Lily Ramos launched a walk-off home run that sent the stadium into a frenzy and gave BYU a dramatic opening win.
The second game showcased BYU’s depth. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on Utah’s errors and stringing together a six-run third inning. Utah attempted to rally late in the game, but BYU’s bullpen shut the door, securing a 7–4 victory and a 2–0 lead in the series.
But it was the third and final game where the Cougars truly put their stamp on the series. Playing with unshakable confidence, BYU blanked Utah 5–0 in a dominant performance that saw flawless infield play, precise pitching, and a relentless offense. The shutout victory marked the first time BYU had swept Utah in a three-game series in over a decade.
Beyond the wins themselves, the sweep holds major implications. Not only does it mark a historic start to BYU’s Big 12 era, but it also sends a strong message to the rest of the conference: underestimate the Cougars at your own risk.
Head coach Gordon Eakin praised his team’s composure and fire. “We knew coming into this weekend how much this series meant — for the rivalry, for the fans, and for our future in the Big 12. These players stepped up and played with heart.”
With momentum on their side, BYU now looks ahead to the rest of the season with newfound confidence — and a target on their back.
