OREM, Utah – Behind a dominant pitching performance from freshman Megan Meracle and another powerful swing from Ava Brown, Idaho State blanked Utah Valley 6–0 on Tuesday evening at Wolverine Softball Field.
Making just the fourth start of her collegiate career, Meracle delivered a statement outing, scattering just three hits over seven shutout innings to earn her first career complete-game shutout. She walked three and struck out two while facing only 26 batters across 92 efficient pitches.
The Bengals (29-13) broke the game open with a four-run third inning, sparked by a leadoff double from Gracie Smith. After a bunt single and throwing error pushed Smith across the plate, Brown continued her power surge with an RBI double to center. Camryn McDonald and Jenna Kearns each added RBI hits in the frame, putting ISU ahead 4-0.
Brown, who finished the night 2-for-3 with two RBIs, capped off her performance in the seventh inning with a solo home run to left field, her 18th of the season, tying her for 8th nationally in long balls. Kearns also turned in a three-hit day and stole two bases, including a daring steal of home in the sixth to extend the lead to 5-0.
The Bengals return home this weekend for the final homestand of the 2025 season, a conference series with Montana.
