ISU Advances to Big Sky Tourney Title Game

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POCATELLO, Idaho-  The Idaho State softball team advanced to the Idaho Central Credit Union Big Sky Conference Tournament championship game by beating Sacramento State 10-7 in an elimination game on Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day Idaho State lost 8-0 to Southern Utah in six innings.

The Bengals will play SUU at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Miller Ranch Stadium. The Bengals must beat Southern Utah twice in order to win the tournament championship and earn the automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.

"I wanted to slam the door a bit more, and I wanted to see some consistency, but we battled," Idaho State coach Julie Wright said following the win over Sacramento State. "It's the fourth time we've played this team this season, and they're a good hitting team. We were tired. Douglas was tired. Tolmie was a little tired. It's survive and advance at this point. I would like to see a bit more consistency, but I was pleased with 10 runs, of course."

In the win over the Hornets ISU scored its 10 runs on 12 hits while committing three errors in the field. Sacramento State scored its seven runs on 10 hits and committed four errors.

Maddy Hickman led the Bengal offense by going three-for-four with two RBIs, two runs scored. She had one home run. Terah Blackwell was two-for-three with one RBI and two runs scored.

Micheala Taylor was two-for-three with three RBIs and two runs scored. Haley Douglas earned the win (18-10) by pitching 4.1 innings, allowing seven hits, two walks, five runs while striking out three. Jessica Tolmie pitched the final 2.2 innings and allowed three hits and strike out three.

ISU jumped out to a 10-2 lead after three innings. The Bengals scored four runs in the second inning and six in the third.

Against SUU, the T-Birds scored their eight runs on 11 hits while Idaho State had four hits.

Southern Utah scored two runs in the first inning, three in the third and one in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

Tolmie took the loss, pitching two innings, allowing five hits and four runs. SUU pitcher Katie Greenberg earned the win, allowing four hits, four walks and striking out two.

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