by Mike Miller
Baseball and softball began their seasons this month, men’s volleyball continues to skid, both basketball teams are fighting for tournament position, and clouds are looming off the court for the men’s tennis team. Your weekly BYU roundup is right here! Do you have a sport you want to hear more about? Reach out to us on Twitter with your questions!
Baseball
The season began last week with the Snowbird Classic in Florida, with mixed results. The Cougars were held in check offensively with 3-2 and 6-3 losses to Indiana State and Marshall University. Playing Marshall again, BYU was still limited to only three runs but buckled down defensively, winning 3-2. Their offense then woke up with a 9-6 win over Ohio State to start the season 2-2.
Next Up: While the Cougars wait for Provo to unthaw, they continue games in sunnier climates. ASU will host BYU for three games Thursday-Saturday. All three games will be available on BYU Radio and 107.9 FM at 6:30, 6:00, and 1:00 p.m. MST respectively.
Men’s Basketball
In what was called a must-win game for their March Madness hopes, BYU lost a close one at Saint Mary’s 69-64. ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi currently has the Cougars in the “First Four Out.” Coach Mark Pope isn’t ready to give up yet however, as he mentioned he is trying to add another game to the schedule before the WCC Tournament to strengthen his team’s resume.
Next Up: If Pope is unable to add a game, the regular season will end this week with two final home games. Thursday night sees LMU come to the Marriott Center at 8:00 p.m. MST on CBS Sports Network, followed by Pepperdine on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. MST on ESPNU for senior night.
Women’s Basketball
The Cougars rolled on to a 23-2 record with two more blowout victories. Last Thursday, they handled LMU with a comfortable 77-54 win before demolishing Gonzaga 63-39 on senior night. No. 19 BYU is on the outside looking in for a top-16 ranking, which would allow the Cougars to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Next Up: One last trip to California to wrap up the regular season for BYU. On Thursday, they play Santa Clara at 7:00 p.m. followed by Pacific on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. MST. Both games will be on the WCC Network.
Gymnastics
BYU had a rare two meets in one week, with strong results in both. On Friday they hosted SUU, walking away with a narrow 197.225-197.000 win. The mark was the Cougars’ highest of the season. On Monday, they traveled to Stanford for a four team meet, finishing second behind Boise State. Sadie Miner-Van Tassell continued her dominant senior season, winning the All-Around title in both competitions. Her 39.525 on Friday was a career high.
Next Up: Rivalry week is here as the Cougars head north to visit Utah State in Logan. The meet starts at 7:00 p.m. MST on Friday, with a stream available at utahstateaggies.com. The contest has further intrigue as it will be No. 12 BYU against No. 14 USU.
Softball
The season is off to a dream start as BYU is 9-2 on the season. They scored 30 runs across five games in victories over Stanford, San Jose State, Illinois Chicago, Seattle, and Bethune Cookman. The bats ran out of energy Thursday afternoon, dropping a 10-3 game to No. 17 Tennessee.
Next Up: The Cougars are in the middle of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. On Friday, they play Cal Baptist, followed by Long Beach State on Saturday. Both games start at 11:00 a.m. MST on FloSports.
Men’s Tennis
It was a rough week on the court, with two consecutive 4-0 losses at New Mexico. The team had an even rougher week off the court, as a Salt Lake Tribune report on Wednesday detailed allegations of abuse by head coach Dave Porter. According to Tribune writer Gordon Monson, players claim Porter denied food, verbally attacked players, threatened to kick individuals of the team, and made inappropriate jokes about rape. To make the situation worse, the team claims administrators, including athletic director Tom Holmoe, ignored their requests for help with their coach.
Next Up: BYU is scheduled to play two matches in Davis, California this weekend. On Friday, they play University of Nevada (Reno) followed by UC Davis on Saturday.
Women’s Tennis
The Cougars had their best performance of the season with a 7-0 sweep of Nevada on Friday. The doubles teams were the stars, with all three pairs winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Next Up: The Holy War is here, with a 5:00 p.m. MST match slated in Salt Lake City Friday night. The match will be streamed at utahutes.com.
Track and Field
Next Up: The Smith Fieldhouse hosts BYU Invitational II on Friday and Saturday, with both days starting at 11:00 a.m MST
Men’s Volleyball
The Cougars have lost five straight, including 3-0 and 3-1 losses last weekend to UC Santa Barbara. With a young team facing a gut check, coach Shawn Olmstead has one of the toughest tests of his career. Despite their 5-7 record, BYU is still ranked No. 13 in the nation. This is largely because of their strong strength of schedule.
Next Up: The road doesn’t get any easier as No. 9 Grand Canyon comes to Provo on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. MST on BYUtv.m
Featured image courtesy Laura Seitz, Deseret News