OREM, Utah – The Idaho State softball team extended its win streak to six Tuesday afternoon, defeating Utah Valley 5-3 at Wolverine Field in Orem, Utah. The six-game win streak is the best mark for the Bengals this season, passing their previous five-game win streak set in early March.
Five different players scored for the Bengals (18-17), led by junior
Kacie Burnett with two hits on two at bats with one run. Sophomore
Ashlyn Ames earned with win in the circle and improves to 8-9 on the season.
Idaho State started the game strong, loading the bases after just four at-bats. Senior
Katelyn Marquez started things off for the Bengals, reaching first base following a single to left field. Burnett followed with a single of her own, and senior
Maddy Hickman reached base after being walked. With the bases loaded, Ames stepped to the plate and connected for a single up the left side for the RBI. ISU's second run came following junior
Alex Portesi's at bat, as Burnett scored following a fielder's choice to third.
Utah Valley (5-30) earned its first run in the bottom of the second, and neither squad scored for the next three innings. The Bengals scored their third run in the top of the sixth off a Wolverine fielding error and again found some offensive rhythm in the top of the seventh, with two runs to give them a four-run buffer heading into the bottom of the seventh.
The Bengals gave up two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but ISU's defensive prowess was too much for the Wolverines to overcome. Facing two outs, Utah Valley hit two consecutive doubles, both to left field that allowed for two Wolverines to score. However, the next at bat the Bengals capitalized on a fly ball to center field to eliminate UVU's hopes for a comeback.
The Bengals continue play on the road this weekend as they travel to Weber State for a three-game series in Ogden, Utah. The series begins April 15th at 2 p.m. at the Wildcat Softball Field. Currently, Weber State is ranked just ahead of Idaho State in second place in Big Sky Conference play with a 7-1 BSC record.
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