The Oregon State softball team opens its season this morning at 11 in the Kajikawa Classic with a game against Brigham Young. The Beavers follow with a 1:30 p.m. contest against Idaho State.

Here’s a capsule look at today’s games.

Oregon State (0-0) vs. Brigham Young (0-0)

Thursday, 11 a.m., at Tempe, Ariz.

Coaches: OSU’s Kirk Walker (18th year, 558-467-3); BYU’s Gordon Eakin (10th year, 371-160)

Last game: This is the season opener for both teams.

OSU players to watch: Tina Andreana returns as the team’s most experienced pitcher. First baseman Erin Guzy is back for her senior season after leading the ballclub in hitting last year. Third baseman Desiree Beltran is solid in the field and at the plate.

BYU players to watch: Third baseman Jessica Dugas and outfielder Carly Duckworth are both back after making last season’s All-Mountain West squad.

Last meeting: Feb. 16, 2007 – BYU won 2-1 (9 innings)

Series: Oregon State leads the series, 8-2

Brad’s take: The Beavers should have the upper hand here as far as pitching goes. BYU lost its top pitcher and catcher from last year’s 40-18 team while Oregon State brings back Andreana and battery mate Ally Kutz. Despite this advantage for OSU, expect a close one against a quality Cougars lineup.

Oregon State (0-0) vs. Idaho State (0-0)

Thursday, 1:30 p.m., at Tempe, Ariz.

Coaches: OSU’s Kirk Walker (18th year, 558-467-3); ISU’s Julie Wright (1st year at ISU; 53-52 in career)

Last game: OSU will have played BYU on Thursday morning. It will be Idaho State’s first game.

OSU players to watch: The Beavers have a couple of talented freshmen and a transfer that could be immediate contributors. Freshmen Aryn Feickert (pitcher) and Ya Garcia (second base) and Dani Gilmore (center field) have turned heads in practice. Elizabeth Santana (shortstop) transferred in from UC Davis and has also looked good.

ISU players to watch: Team captain Amanda Fitzsimmons is a talented pitcher and hitter who transferred to Idaho State after playing one season at Washington. In all, the Bengals have eight returning players.

Last meeting: March 27, 2010 – Oregon State swept a doubleheader, 8-0 and 12-2

Series: Oregon State leads the series, 10-0

Brad’s take: This is one of those games that Oregon State should simply win. The Bengals have never defeated the Beavers and in fact, have not beaten a Pac-12 team since the school’s softball program was revived in 2007. This game will be Idaho State’s season opener with OSU playing its second of the day. It shouldn’t matter with the Beavers getting the victory.