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Idaho State University right fielder Gracie Smith bats during the second game of a doubleheader against the University of Utah, Monday, March 10, 2025, at Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium. The Bengals beat the Utes, 5-3. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
POCATELLO — The Idaho State softball team last finished with a winning overall record in 2016 (28-23). As the Bengal approach Big Sky Conference play this year though, they carry a 15-8 record — with quality wins over then-No. 13 Texas Tech, George Washington University and, for win No. 1 and their remodeled home stadium, Utah.
ISU opened the revamped Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium over the weekend, hosting Utah, Boise State, Montana and Washington for the Black Orange Classic.
The Bengals suffered losses in their first two games of the tournament, but finished the weekend strong with a 5-3 victory over the Utes on the strength of a fourth-inning grand slam from third baseman Rebecca Quinn.
Here are some of the moments captured during that win.
ISU’s Riley Wickum earned the win as the starter, holding the Utes to five hits and two runs over 5 innings of work. Riley is now 3-1 on the season. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
Bengals players and fans celebrate as Rebecca Quinn reaches the plate following a go-ahead grand slam in the fourth inning. ISU recorded its first hit of the game in the fourth. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
ISU left fielder Alyssa Yee connect for a single to left field in the fourth inning — the Bengals’ first hit of the afternoon. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
ISU center fielder Ava Brown pulls a fly ball foul. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
ISU pitcher Lizzy Tommasini pitches in the sixth inning of the win. She held the Utes scoreless, on one hit, over the final two innings of the game to earn the save, her first of the season. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com
Bengal head coach Andrew Rich looks on as his team trails in the top half of the fourth inning. Rich is in his fourth season as ISU softball head coach.
The Bengals celebrate their win. | Kalama Hines, EastIdahoSports.com