April 20, 2012

RUSTON - BYU pitcher Hannah Howell pitched a complete-game one hitter to lead the Cougars to a 5-0 win over Louisiana Tech Friday in the first game of a Western Athletic Conference series at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

Game two of the afternoon doubleheader was postponed due to rain and the two teams will play a twinbill Saturday starting at 1 p.m.

Howell (14-7) allowed only a one out single to Amanda Krueger in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Cougars defense took three more hits away from the Lady Techsters (18-24, 5-7 WAC) with stellar plays in the field.

BYU (29-12, 8-3 WAC) took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as Delaney Willard drove home the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly to left field.

Tech put runners on first and second in the bottom of the first inning on walks to Krueger and Melanie Goff. However, BYU shortstop JC Clayton robbed Erin Kipp of a single through the left side and a possible RBI with a great play in the hole, forcing Krueger out at third base.

BYU added two more runs in the top of the third as Willard hit a two-out RBI single up the middle that Tech centerfielder Janine Godwin misplayed, allowing a second runner to score on the play as the Cougars upped the advantage to 3-0.

In the bottom of the third, Krueger appeared to have the first hit of the game but BYU second baseman Stacie Toney made a diving snare on a line drive up the middle, taking a hit away from Krueger and ending the inning.

The Cougars added a solo run in the top of the fourth and sixth off Tech starter Michelle Jones (11-11), who allowed five runs - only three earned - on nine hits and six walks in 7.0 innings of action.

Krueger finally broke up Howell's no-hit bid in the sixth, lining a pitch into right field for a single.

BYU threatened to score in the top of the seventh, but Goff made a diving stop on a ball hit up the middle, taking a hit away from Shelbi Everett.

Fans can follow all of the action Saturday on Gametracker at www.latechsports.com or through Twitter updates at @LATechMbutler. A live audio and video stream will also be provided by purchasing a subscription to LA Tech All-Access.