Campus briefs: BYU

SOFTBALL: The Cougars cruised to their first two wins of the season with an exploding offensive effort and a strong showing from the circle, defeating Southern Utah, 8-1, and Loyola Marymount, 10-0, at the Red Desert Classic on Thursday at St. George.

Sophomore catcher Jessica Purcell, led the team going 3-for-5 with nine RBIs and two homers, while sophomore pitcher Paige Affleck tossed five shutout innings with seven strike outs. In the second game, senior right fielder Stephanie Hopkins blasted a three-run homer.

The Cougars continue play at the Red Desert Classic when they face Northern Colorado at 10:30 a.m. and No. 15 Washington at 3:30 p.m. Friday.