Houston infielder Makenna Mitchell (22) is caught on second base by Arizona during an NCAA college Softball game, Friday, May 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball was swept over the weekend in its regular-season finale against the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats at Cougar Softball Stadium. Houston is now 22-24 on the season and will finish with a conference-worst record of 4-18 in Big 12 play.

Cougars suffer 10-1 loss in game one of series

Arizona won the series’ first game on Friday, 10-1, in five innings.

Graduate two-way Miranda Stoddard earned the win for the Wildcats, securing her 11th victory and preserving her perfect record for the season.

Houston started the game strong, taking the lead in the second inning off a solo home run by freshman two-way Maddie Hartley for an early 1-0 lead.

Arizona responded in the third, putting up two runs after an aggressive effort on the basepaths enabled a double-steal for the Wildcats.

In the fifth, Arizona’s momentum continued, and a two-run home run by junior catcher Sydney Stewart was followed by a grand slam by junior outfielder Dakota Kennedy, bringing the score to 10-1. 

The Cougars were led by Hartley, followed by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins, who went 2-for-3 at the plate. 

Cougars get shut out 5-0 Saturday

Despite being able to contain Arizona for the game’s first six innings, the Cougars fell to the Wildcats 5-0 on Saturday. 

In the seventh inning, Arizona took control and scored four runs to solidify its lead. Houston was plagued by errors in the seventh, allowing Arizona to bring the score to 5-0.

The first four innings featured a pitcher’s duel, with Arizona’s redshirt senior pitcher Devyn Netz and Houston’s trio of Hartley, redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman and freshman pitcher Nevaeh Brown delivering four and two-thirds shutout frames.

The Cougars struggled at the plate, hitting 2-for-23 while striking out eight times.

Freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak couldn’t find a groove, as she surrendered all five runs in her two and one-third innings pitched, as well as five hits and five walks allowed.

Cougars fall 8-3 Sunday 

After the Wildcats jumped out to a five-run lead midway through the first inning, Houston could not catch up and lost 8-3 against Arizona in the final game of the regular season.

Stoddard’s second grand slam for the Wildcats this series gave them a commanding 5-0 lead before the Cougars could step up to the plate.

After a single by sophomore infielder Bethany Aguilar and a series of wild pitches by Arizona, Houston was able to close the gap 5-2 in the bottom of the first. 

In the third, Arizona was able to improve its lead to 6-2 off a series of errors by the Cougars. Arizona’s momentum continued in the fourth, with a solo home run by Stewart.

The Cougars were able to close the gap in the seventh inning off a solo home run by freshman two-way Brooke Wells. However, they could not take the lead, falling to the Wildcats 8-3.

No. 11 seed Houston will next face No. 6 BYU in Wednesday’s first round of the Phillips 66 Big 12 championships in Oklahoma City, Okla., at 7:30 p.m. CT.

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“Houston softball swept by Arizona in regular season finale” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Gigi Solis (1) winds up her pitch against BYU during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball lost the series this past weekend against the Utah Utes after falling in both games in the doubleheader on Friday.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep. Houston is now 19-13 on the season, and 3-7 in conference play.

Cougars prevent the sweep with 5-2 win on Sunday

After a slow start for both teams in the first two frames, Houston was able to drive in four runs to take a strong 4-0 lead.

The Cougars added to their total with another run in the fourth on a triple by sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins and a sacrifice fly by freshman two-way Brooke Wells.

In the sixth, the Utes were able to get on the board after a two-run homer by freshman catcher Kennedy Proctor to bring the score to 5-2.

On the mound, redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux threw an impressive outing, pitching her first career complete game, including four strikeouts.

Cougars suffer 14-3 loss in game one of series doubleheader opener

Utah claimed a dominant victory in the first game of the series on Friday, securing a 14-3 win in five innings.

The Utes came out strong, scoring five runs in the opening frame, initiated by a triple by Proctor and doubles by junior utility Kayla Lyon and redshirt freshman utility Jolie Mayfield.

In the second inning, the momentum continued for the Utes, as they were able to score eight runs.

Sophomore utility Shonty Passi led the way, with a home run to drive in three runs.

An error by junior infielder Mandy Esman for the Cougars late in the second inning allowed the Utes to improve their score to eight runs.

In the fifth, the Cougars found their rhythm, and were able to improve the score to 3-14. However, an impressive outing by sophomore pitcher Shelbee Jones kept the Cougars at bay.

Throughout the game, the Cougars struggled in the batter’s box, only chalking four hits during the game, compared to Utah’s 13.

Cougars fall short as Utah stages dramatic 7th-inning comeback

Despite a strong showing by the Cougars in the second game of the double header on Friday, Utah was able to make a comeback in the final frame to hand the Cougars their second loss of the series 12-9.

In the seventh inning, the Utes completed the comeback led by a three-run homer by Proctor to bring the score 9-8.

However, Utah’s momentum continued, and a walk-off grand slam by junior catcher Emily Capobianco secured a 12-9 win for the Utes.

Houston started the game off strong, taking a 1-0 lead. Utah responded with a solo home run in the second, to bring the score to 1-1.

The Cougars fought back, and reclaimed the lead in the third frame off of a double by Wilkins.

The Cougars continued their momentum in the fourth, with Wells hitting her first career grand slam to improve the Cougars’ score to 7-1.

The Cougars were led by Wells, finishing 2-4 with four RBI. The Utes were led offensively by Proctor, hitting 3-4 with two homers and four RBI.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball drops series to Utah Utes, salvages win on Sunday to avoid sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outfielder Ariel Redmond (2) slams the bat toward the ball during an NCAA softball game, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

After a tough loss in the series opener, Houston softball won consecutive games to claim the series against the Cyclones in the opening weekend of conference play.  Houston is now 16-7 on the season, as they picked up their first Big 12 series win in school history. 

Cougars fall 8-10 in series opener

Houston fell to Iowa State in the series opener on Friday at Cougar Softball Stadium.

Although the Cougars claimed a strong 8-2 lead in the fourth, Iowa State bounced back in a dramatic fashion to send the match into extra innings.

After a scoreless 7th frame, the Cougars were unable to respond to two runs scored by the Cyclones in the 8th inning, allowing Iowa State to take the win 10-8. 

Freshman utility Brooke Wells, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, and sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins hit three consecutive home runs in the fourth inning, marking the first time the Cougars hit three consecutive home runs since 2005. As a result, the Cougars scored five runs in the fourth, taking an 8-2 lead.

Houston put up eleven hits in the game, the sixth game this season for the Cougars with ten or more hits. 

Wells entered in relief credited with the loss after giving up three runs. Freshman pitcher Abby Huhn secured the win for the Cyclones, only allowing two hits over four innings pitched. 

 A dominant performance by Houston evens the series

Houston beat Iowa State Saturday 6-2 to tie the series.

After an uneventful first inning, Houston scored three runs in the second to take a strong lead and held the lead for the remainder of the game. 

Wilkins led the way for the Cougars with two doubles and four RBIs.

Houston finished with six runs on seven hits, while Iowa State finished with two runs and five hits.

Freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak claimed the win for the Cougars, only giving up four hits over five innings. Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman recorded her fifth career save for the Cougars, while junior pitcher Jaiden Ralston took the loss for Iowa State, giving up five runs.

Iowa State struggled to score runs, with only bringing in one run in the fourth and one in the sixth. 

Houston claims a series win in the final frame thriller

Houston won 3-2 over the Cyclones Sunday to claim their first Big 12 series win.

In a tension-filled seventh inning, Wells batted in Wilkins for the Cougars’ fourth walk-off win of the season.

Wells led the way for the Cougars offensively with two hits and two RBIs.

Houston took the first lead of the game in the third inning 1-0; however, the Cyclones responded in the fourth by tying the score on a bases-loaded walk. Houston quickly responded, however, with an RBI by junior infielder Mandy Esman to reclaim a 2-1 lead. 

In the fifth, Iowa State junior Sydney Mallot tied the score 2-2 with a solo home run.

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux recorded the win for Houston after allowing only one hit. Cyclones sophomore pitcher Lauren Schurman claimed the loss for Iowa State, allowing one run on three hits over just over three innings. 

Next, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to play Oklahoma State on Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. for a three-game series.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball claims their first Big 12 series win in school history against Iowa State” was originally posted on The Cougar