OGDEN, Utah (May 11, 2023) - No. 1 seed Idaho State continues to dominate in the 2023 Big Sky Softball Championships, as the Bengals are one of four teams remaining in the tournament moving into Friday.
The Bengals secured their spot in Saturday's Championship Game, as Idaho State now has a shot to become tournament champions for the first time in program history and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Softball Tournament. The Bengals will await their opponent following the conclusion of Friday's games at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Below are news and notes from day two in Ogden.
Game 4: No. 3 Northern Colorado 12, No. 2 Sacramento State 10
After having the game suspended due to darkness in the top of the sixth inning on Wednesday, Northern Colorado and Sacramento State resumed play on Thursday morning with the Bears taking a 12-10 victory over the Hornets.
The Bears finished the game with a total of 12 RBIs, with three of those credited to shortstop Alexsi Barashkoff who added on a double as well.
Northern Colorado moved on to face Idaho State in the final game of Thursday, with the Bears falling to top-seeded Idaho State 8-2.
Game 5: No. 4 Portland State 13, No. 6 Montana 0
In one of the most explosive games of the tournament, Portland State run-ruled Montana 13-0 to advance in the tournament bracket. Olivia Grey pitched her first career no-hitter, as she shut down the Griz and struck out seven batters.
Dominating the field both defensively and offensively, the Vikings roster impressed as multiple players had successful performances. Allicite Frost hit a grand slam in the top of the fifth to increase the Vikings' lead, while Player of the Year Emily Johansen added three RBIs herself.
The Vikings advance to face Weber State in a tournament rematch on Friday at 1:00 p.m., with the winner facing off against Northern Colorado in the second game on Friday.
Game 6: No. 5 Weber State 7, No. 2 Sacramento State 5
After suffering a loss in the first round, Weber State officially bounced back as it took down No. 2 seed Sacramento State 7-5.
The Hornets, who were co-regular season champions alongside Idaho State were unable to sneak by the tournament host, as the Wildcats took over their home field.
Weber State recorded five RBIs, with two coming from KC Whiting and Mia Rushton. Whiting also hit a triple in the third inning to increase the Wildcat lead.
With its tournament hopes still alive, Weber State will face Portland State once again, as they look to secure a win over the Vikings on Friday at 1:00 p.m. The winner will move on to face Northern Colorado in the second game on Friday.
Game 7: No. 1 Idaho State 8, No. 3 Northern Colorado 2
In its second appearance of the tournament, Idaho State continues to dominate as the No. 1 seed downed Northern Colorado 8-2.
Angelica Cano hit a home run and Olivia Robinson recorded a double in the first inning for the Bengals, with the team finishing with seven RBIs and four doubles on the day.
Newcomer of the Year, Jordan Schuring, dominated in the circle once again for the Bengals as she held the Bears to only two runs and closed out the game with five scoreless innings.
Despite the loss, the Bears are not done yet as they will play an elimination game against the winner of Portland State and Weber State, who play on Friday at 1:00 p.m.
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TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
Game 1 - #4 Portland State 11, #5 Weber State 7 //
Box Score
Game 2 - #3 Northern Colorado 9, #6 Montana 1 //
Box Score
Game 3 – #1 Idaho State 5, #4 Portland State 1 //
Box Score
Game 4 – #2 Sacramento State 10, #3 Northern Colorado 12 //
Box Score
THURSDAY, MAY 11
Game 5 - #6 Montana 0, #4 Portland State 13 //
Box Score
Game 6 - #5 Weber State 7, #2 Sacramento State 5 //
Box Score
Game 7 – #1 Idaho State 8, #3 Northern Colorado 2 //
Box Score
FRIDAY, MAY 12
1:00pm Game 8 – #4 Portland State vs. #5 Weber State (Loser Eliminated) |
Stats
3:30pm Game 9 – #3 Northern Colorado vs. Game 8 Winner (Loser Eliminated) |
Stats
SATURDAY, MAY 13
1:00pm Game 10 – #1 Idaho State vs. Game 9 Winner
3:30 p.m. Game 11 – If Necessary