Coming off its giving mood, having given away a 4-0 lead against Southern Utah to lose to the Thunderbirds 5-4, the U softball team returns to Mountain West Conference action tomorrow against BYU in Provo, Utah, in a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.
According to U coach Mona Stevens, the Utes “totally looked past SUU,” and the team is known for playing very well coming off a loss. The last time the Utes lost to SUU, they subsequently won seven games in a row.
Now the games are important, as they count toward a spot in the MWC Tournament.
Once again, weather may play a factor in the games, as precipitation is possible throughout the entire weekend.
Assuming the Utes play, they know the Cougars will be thinking revenge. The Utes beat BYU twice in Salt Lake City on April 13, 8-7 and 3-2. The Utes had to come from behind in both games.
“It’s hard to turn around and beat them again,” Stevens said, “but I really think we can do it. We’re better from top to bottom, and I think we’re deeper. If we can go in with the confidence and determination that we [had before], we’ll be in great shape.”
Another benefit the Utes will gain by playing in Provo is the fact that the MWC Tournament will be held there in May. Stevens knows having a chance to get to know the field they will play on at the tourney will be a great help for them.
Both Jennifer Pursell and Heather Bowlin will throw for the Utes this weekend. Pursell is coming off her MWC Pitcher of the Week performance and Bowlin is improving from the rut she found herself in just a few weeks ago, when she was not throwing nearly as hard or as accurate as she has been known to.
The Utes are still in the hunt for the No. 1 spot in the MWC Tournament, trailing San Diego State by two wins. SDSU has a 9-3 record in the MWC and Utah has a 7-3 record. The two teams will not play until the tournament, assuming they both get a chance to play each other there.