HR six pack boosts BYU to 5-0 record

ST. GEORGE — With six home runs on the day, the BYU softball team defeated both Rhode Island and Loyola Marymount at the Red Desert Classic. The Cougars improved to 5-0.

Sophomore third baseman Angeline Quiocho belted two home runs in both games.

"She became very aggressive offensively and that is exactly what we expect from her," said BYU coach Gordon Eakin.

The Cougars repeated the previous year's performance by winning all five games during the Red Desert Classic.

"I was pleased with the growth of our young players this weekend," Eakin said.

Against Rhode Island, the Cougars came alive with three runs in the first inning en route to their 9-3 victory.

The Cougars and Loyola Marymount came into the second game 4-0 in the tournament.

Christie Zinanti started and shut down Loyola Marymount's offense. She gave up two hits and two walks before Chritian Gwyn Trice came in to close the game, with the Cougars winning 10-0.

The Cougars travel to Las Vegas for the Louisville Desert Classic on Feb. 14.

UTES DROP SUU, IDAHO STATE: The Utah women's softball team remained undefeated on the second day of the Red Desert Classic, downing Southern Utah, 9-0, and defeating Idaho State, 4-1.

Ashley Smuda and Haili Squire combined to pitch a one-hitter against Southern Utah. Smuda got the win, going three innings, while Squire pitched the final two innings.

Kara Foster led the Utes at the plate against Idaho State, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored. On the mound, Smuda earned the win in five innings, while Brittany Parker came in for the final two innings, striking out four of the six batters she faced, including three straight in the seventh inning.

Utah closes out the tournament against Northern Colorado at 11 a.m. today.