Six Games in Three Days at Capital Classic

PROVO -- The BYU softball team (12-8) heads back to the West Coast to play in the Capital Classic in Sacramento, Calif., March 15-17.

The Cougars have gone just 7-8 after beginning the season with a 5-0 record. BYU had won three games in a row before being blown out by Penn State, 17-4, to end last weekend's Bulldog Classic in Fresno, Calif.

"We've told the team that we just need to get over [the Penn State game]," BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. "That's not our real team. We've talked it through, and we're not going to hang our hat on that because that's not the team we are."

Despite the inconsistent play, BYU is putting up great numbers on the season. The Cougars lead the Mountain West Conference in batting average (.307), slugging percentage (.531) and on base percentage (.386).

"We've started to play the type of ball we're capable of playing in longer periods, and that's what we're focusing on," Eakin said. "Our pitching needs to be more consistent, but when you're playing five games a weekend and you have some nagging injuries, it can be a challenge."

Eakin went on to say that it's critical that everybody executes and makes the plays that help the team win. One of those contributors has been freshman sensation Angeline Quiocho, who has been a pleasant surprise so far this season. Quiocho is off to a stellar start to her BYU career, hitting .298 for 17 hits, including six doubles, one triple and four home runs. The third baseman also leads the team with seven stolen bases.

BYU meets Iowa on Thursday at 1 p.m. (PST) and Minnesota at 6 p.m. Friday's double-header pits the Cougars against host Sacramento State at 12:30 p.m. and Cal Poly at 3 p.m. BYU caps the Classic on Saturday with games against Mercer at 3 p.m. and Santa Clara at 5:30 p.m.