Bengals Keep Momentum Going with 2-0 Start to Lyman Classic Tournament

POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State Softball (8-3) got off to a hot start at the 2025 Lyman Classic hosted by Utah Tech with wins over San Diego and host Utah Tech. \

The Bengals started the day with a six-inning 10-2  'mercy-rule' win over San Diego. The Bengals then came back to take down the Utah Tech Trailblazers 4-3 in eight innings. 

"We had to win in different ways today and it was awesome to see our team step up in both games," remarked Head Coach Andrew Rich. "We got contributions up and down the lineup in the San Diego game and great pitching. Then against Utah Tech we found a way to scrape a run across in the 8th and then great pitching and defense helped us finish it off."

After heading to extra innings against Utah Tech, the Bengals took a 4-3 lead in the top of the 8th. In the bottom of the inning, the Trailblazers advanced a runner to third with one out. The next batter up hit a line drive straight to Belle Navarette who deftly snatched the ball and rocketed it to third catching the UTU baserunner in a tag-up situation. 

"Belle came up huge in the 8th inning of the Utah Tech game. Found a way to drive a run in and then made a great defensive play to finish it off. It was great to see her step up there in those spots," Continued Rich. 

Idaho State used four pitchers in the two wins. Kasey Aguinaga earned the two wins with 3.2 innings pitched in relief. In 14.0 total innings pitched, the Bengals allowed  just three extra-base hits, all doubles. 

In the game against Utah Tech, Megan Meracle threw a team-high five strikeouts. 

"Our pitching was fantastic all day. Riley and Megan had great starts. It was a full staff effort and that's how it's going to be for us all year," said Rich.

The Bengals hit .350 as a team with 21 hits in 60 at bats. Alyssa Yee led the team hitting .714 on the day with five hits and three runs, two doubles. Camryn McDonald followed with a strong .500 day scoring three runs on four hits. In the win over Utah Tech, the Bengals also hit a season-high two triples from Navarette and McDonald. 

Ava Brown hit her team-leading 4th and 5th homeruns of the season, scoring five RBIS.  Read Full Article