GREELEY, Colo. — Top-seeded Idaho State flexed its offensive muscle and delivered a statement win on Wednesday night, overpowering No. 4 seed Northern Colorado 10-2 in five innings, the opening round of the Big Sky Tournament at Gloria Rodriguez Field.
After falling behind early on a solo home run by Ella Gonzales, the Bengals stormed back with a relentless attack. Belle Navarrete ignited the offense in the second inning with a two-run homer to right center, putting Idaho State in front for good. The Bengals exploded for three more runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Olivia Robison that was stretched to third on an outfield error. Kennedy Dudley added a sacrifice fly to cap the inning, stretching the lead to 5-1.
Idaho State's biggest surge came in the fourth inning. Following a rain delay, the Bengals pounced on Northern Colorado's pitching, with Alyssa Yee lacing a two-run double and Dudley driving in two more runs on a misplayed ball in left field. Yee finished the night 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Navarrete crossed the plate twice and collected three RBIs.
On the mound, Megan Meracle earned her seventh win of the season, working four innings and allowing just four hits and two runs while striking out one. Kasey Aguinaga closed the door in the fifth with a scoreless frame, striking out one and closing the door on the Bear offense.
In the bottom of the 5th inning Jenna Kearns beat out the throw on a bunt single, Peterson then advanced her with a bunt of her own and to cap the game, Gracie Smith smashed a hit through the right side gap, scoring Kearns and walking off the game for the Bengals in the 5th.
Defensively, the Bengals were flawless, turning a key double play in the third inning and committing no errors, while Northern Colorado's defense faltered with four costly mistakes.
Idaho State, now 35-15, advances to the semifinal round of the tournament brimming with confidence after racking up eight hits, eight RBIs, and executing sharp baserunning—including a stolen base by Kate Hogan and a perfect sacrifice bunt from Brooke Peterson.
The Bengals will take on the winner of #2 Sacramento State and #3 Weber State in the semifinal round of the Big Sky Tournament, May 8th at 5:30 PM MT.
