Idaho State University’s women’s softball team swept a doubleheader against Sacramento State on April 17, winning 7-5 and 8-0 at Miller Ranch Stadium. The victories improved the Bengals’ record to 32-16 overall and 8-3 in Big Sky Conference play, keeping them atop the conference standings.
The results are significant as they reinforce Idaho State’s strong position in the league heading into the final stretch of conference games. The wins also set up an opportunity for a series sweep when the teams meet again Saturday.
In Game 1, Idaho State overcame an early two-run deficit. Head coach Andrew Rich said of pitcher Kasey Aguinaga, “Even once it got to two to zero, she did a great job of keeping us in the game. She had a huge strikeout with the bases loaded that kept the game two to zero and gave our offense a chance, and then we used that momentum to take the lead.” Sydney Groves hit a grand slam during a pivotal fifth inning. Rich added about Groves’ performance: “She got a 3-1 pitch, got a good pitch that was elevated and didn’t miss it. She’s swinging a really good bat right now.” Catcher Skylar Williams also stepped up after an injury forced starter Kearns out of the game. “You cannot say enough about Skylar Williams being ready to go for the moment,” Rich said.
Game 2 saw pitcher Marley Goluskin hold Sacramento State scoreless over nearly six innings while her teammates provided early run support. Ava Brown delivered a two-run double in the first inning before Groves hit her second home run of the day in the second inning. Rich praised Goluskin’s effort: “Marley was awesome in the second game… To see her be able to keep her pitch count down and attack hitters was really good to see.” Goluskin said she relies on teamwork: “I just need to trust my defense and trust my offense and make sure that I’m doing what I need to do, I know that they have my back.” Camryn McDonald highlighted communication among hitters as key: “Hitters talk to each other and we have our charts in the dugout that we study… Sticking to the plan we have as we go up really helps get base hits and keep it moving throughout the game.”
With these wins, Idaho State is now 27-5 when scoring first this season and has won four consecutive games along with eight of its last ten contests at home.
Looking ahead, Coach Rich expects Sacramento State will respond strongly but remains confident: “They’re gonna play a little bit of desperate softball tomorrow… We gotta come and be locked in from the very beginning.” He added about Senior Day festivities: “So excited to see how this group comes out tomorrow and really excited to celebrate seniors and hopefully send them out with a win.”