Off to sizzling start, Bengals softball nets double-honors

POCATELLO — The Idaho State University softball team is off to a hot start as it prepares to open its newly renovated home field.

The Bengals (6-3) are 0-2 in road games and 6-1 in neutral-site games two weeks into the season. ISU has relied heavily on a powerful offense, scoring 10 or more runs four times while averaging 7.3 runs scored per game. But the pitching and defense has carried its own weight, allowing 3.6 runs per game.

For their work, members of both the pitching staff and offense were honored by their conference last week.

Junior outfield Alyssa Yee was named the Big Sky Player of the Week, posting a .563 batting average — going 9-for-16 — with two home runs and 11 RBIs for the week. She also stole two bases.

Junior right-hander Riley Wickum was selected as the Big Sky Pitcher of the Week, collecting two wins while allowing just two hits and one earned run across 8-2/3 innings of work. She struck out eight in her three appearances.

The Bengals return to the field Saturday, when they face the University of San Diego in St. George, Utah for the Utah Tech Tournament. They will open the new Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium on March 8, when they host the University of Washington to start the Black and Orange Classic — which will welcome several premiere programs to Pocatello.

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