POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State softball put on an offensive showcase Friday afternoon at Miller Ranch Stadium, sweeping a Big Sky doubleheader over Northern Colorado with wins of 8–5 and 10–2 (6 inn.) to improve to 23–13 on the season.
Game 1 | ISU 8 - UNC 5
Idaho State kicked off Friday's doubleheader with a statement win, riding freshman Jenna Kearns' two home runs and a steady performance from Lizzy Tommasini in the circle to defeat Northern Colorado 8–5 at Miller Ranch Stadium.
Kearns launched a two-run homer in the second and added a solo shot in the sixth, fueling a Bengals offense that scored in five of six innings. Ava Brown drove in a run in the first, and Camryn McDonald brought home three more in the third on a sharply hit ball that led to a defensive miscue.
The Bengals stayed aggressive at the plate and on the bases throughout the game. Alyssa Yee reached base three times and scored twice, while Brooke Peterson added a run and a stolen base in a pinch-running appearance. Rebecca Quinn also notched a hit and crossed the plate, helping to sustain Idaho State's momentum.
Tommasini was sharp in the circle, going the distance and allowing just three earned runs while striking out four. She showed poise through late-inning pressure, inducing groundouts and pop-ups to end threats and strand runners in scoring position. The Bengals' defense backed her up with timely plays, including two double plays that helped stall any potential rallies.
Game 2 | ISU 10 - UNC 2
Idaho State's offense delivered a second statement in as many games Friday, erupting for 15 hits in a 10–2 run-rule victory over Northern Colorado to complete the doubleheader sweep.
Gracie Smith was unstoppable at the top of the lineup, going 4-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Belle Navarrete opened the scoring with a two-run triple in the second inning, and the Bengals followed with a seven-run fourth that broke the game wide open.
The fourth inning was a showcase of situational hitting and baserunning. Smith reached on a bunt single and quickly stole second, setting the table for Alyssa Yee's RBI single. Ava Brown followed with a two-run single of her own, and Olivia Robison capped the outburst with a no-doubt three-run homer over the right-center wall—her first of the season.
In the circle, Kasey Aguinaga earned her 11th win of the year, allowing just five hits and one earned run over five innings. She worked efficiently, letting her defense do the work behind her and keeping the Bears off balance with a steady mix of speeds. ISU's defense was locked in, turning a double play and keeping the infield clean to protect the early lead.
Kearn's two home runs in game one, marked the first multi-homerun game of the Bengal catchers career.
On Deck
The Bengals have one more in the series tomorrow at Miller Ranch with first pitch at noon.
