Houston men’s basketball Head Coach Kelvin Sampson raises the Cougar Paw and looks off into the distance after winning an NCAA college men’s basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

As Houston fans and students joyously filled the entrance of the Guy V. Lewis Development Center with red and white to celebrate the Cougars‘ second trip to the NCAA Final Four in four years, Coach Kelvin Sampson took a moment to savor the chants of “MVP, MVP, MVP.”

A scene that 10 years ago could only be located in one’s imagination, once upon a time Sampson could be found wandering around campus followed by the Spirit of Houston band, imploring students to support the school’s basketball team. A team that at the time couldn’t find much success on the court, a far cry from the legendary days of Phi Slama Jama.  

Upon Sampson’s arrival, the Cougars sat near the bottom of the American Athletic Conference, and boasted a fan base representative of the program’s standings: grim.

“Nobody cared about basketball here, I had to change some attitudes,” Sampson said.

Determined to relight the spark of Houston basketball, Sampson spent the next few years revamping the program into one that the city would be proud to root for and athletes would want to play for. 

Garnering support and the will to win from university president Renu Khator and chairman Tilman Fertitta, Sampson was able to begin phase one by putting together resources for a respectable basketball program.

“We were at the bottom, didn’t charter, didn’t feed the kids, didn’t have a film room,” Sampson said.

Now, a decade later, he stands as the CBS Sports Coach of the Year, on the brink of bringing Houston its first NCAA National Championship, soaking in the excitement on the steps of a development center that back then wasn’t much more than a patch of dirt and a bus stop. 

“Where we started and now look where we’re going this weekend, sometimes it doesn’t seem possible,” Sampson said.

As Final Four weekend began exactly 200 miles away from the Fertitta Center, Sampson and his Cougars tuned out the noise of mainstream media, ignored the chatter surrounding other teams in the tournament and focused on the goal ahead: advancing to the elusive National Championship game for the first time in over four decades. 

Duke University stood as the final obstacle en route to a chance at becoming National Champions.  

In the final moments of the semifinal game, facing a deficit on college basketball’s biggest stage, Houston showed the grit and resilience that Sampson has built the Cougars’ culture on and pulled off an improbable comeback victory.

“I hear what people say, Duke this, Duke that,” Sampson said. “But, don’t sleep on Houston.”

With the National Championship game set for Monday night at 7:50 p.m., the team is focused on fulfilling a request made by the crowd of red and white that stood outside the Guy V. Lewis Development Center: “Bring it home.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Coach Sampson’s vision: Houston’s Final Four return” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar