For the second consecutive year, BYU softball found itself on the outside looking in as the 2025 NCAA Tournament field was announced. Despite a season that saw the Cougars finish with a 31–16 overall record and a 9–9 mark in their inaugural Big 12 campaign, they were named among the “First Four Out” of the 64-team field. This designation means BYU was the first team not selected for the tournament, underscoring the razor-thin margins that often determine postseason inclusion.
A Season of Promise
Entering the season, BYU had high expectations. The team returned 17 players from the previous year, including standout first baseman Huntyr Ava, who was named to the All-Big 12 preseason team. Ava, a senior, had a stellar career with 51 career home runs and a .346 batting average. Additionally, sophomore shortstop and right-handed pitcher Ailana Agbayani, the WCC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, was expected to be a key contributor both at the plate and in the circle.
The Cougars’ season included notable victories, such as a 4–0 win over Houston in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. However, their postseason aspirations were dashed with a 4–2 loss to Iowa State in the quarterfinals, a defeat that proved critical in their exclusion from the NCAA Tournament.
Factors Influencing the Snub
Several factors contributed to BYU’s omission from the tournament field:
- Strength of Schedule: While the Cougars faced a challenging schedule, their performance against ranked opponents was inconsistent. Victories over teams like Arizona were offset by losses to unranked teams, affecting their overall résumé.
- Conference Transition: This was BYU’s first season in the Big 12, a conference known for its competitive softball programs. Adjusting to the heightened level of competition may have impacted their performance in key games.
- Late-Season Performance: The Cougars’ inability to advance further in the Big 12 Tournament, coupled with a lack of significant wins in the latter part of the season, likely influenced the selection committee’s decision.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment, BYU softball remains a program on the rise. The team’s strong returning core, led by players like Ava and Agbayani, provides a solid foundation for future success. Head coach Gordon Eakin will look to build on this season’s experiences to strengthen the team’s postseason prospects in the coming years.
The Cougars’ exclusion from the 2025 NCAA Tournament serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college softball and the fine margins that separate teams on the cusp of postseason play. With continued development and a focus on key areas, BYU will aim to secure a spot in the tournament field in the near future.
