Idaho State’s women’s softball team ended its season on May 16 after a 3-1 defeat to Saint Mary’s in an elimination game at Jane Sanders Stadium, concluding the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament with a final record of 37-20.
The end of the season marks a significant milestone for Idaho State, as it was the team’s first time competing at this level. The achievement is seen as a step forward for the program and sets new expectations for future seasons.
Head coach Andrew Rich said, “Just really proud of our group. We accomplished a lot and represented Idaho State University really well. We’ve done a lot to put Idaho State softball on the map, and I’m really proud of that, and of this group of seniors.”
Kasey Aguinaga started as pitcher for Idaho State and kept Saint Mary’s scoreless through one inning despite bases being loaded. The Gaels scored their first run in the second inning after a hit batter and sacrifice bunt set up Hannah Ferguson to drive home the lead run. Aguinaga was later relieved by Riley Wickum, who held off further scoring until late innings with help from strong defensive plays by teammates Kennedy Dudley and others.
Idaho State struggled offensively against Saint Mary’s pitcher Madeline Haun but broke through in the sixth inning when Olivia Robison hit her fourth home run of the season as a pinch hitter, tying the game at one run each. Robison said, “I was talking to Coach Johnson before I went up there, and I was just like, ‘I’m going to go have fun.’ I took a moment before I stepped in the box, and I was like, ‘Okay, this could possibly be one of my last at-bats ever,’ so I soaked it all in and just trusted myself.” Despite tying up the score briefly, Idaho State allowed two runs in the seventh inning following walks by Wickum.
Rich reflected on what comes next: “The expectation now is to be here every year,” he said. “They’ve set a new standard. We’ve set the program’s record for wins in back-to-back years; we’ve won multiple conference championships; we’ve won a tournament championship. Now we have to get back here and come win a game here. This is just the start of what we’re going to do at Idaho State.” Senior Olivia Robison added about her experience: “It’s hard to leave being upset when you know this is the farthest that the team has ever gone for Idaho State,” she said. Fellow senior Sydney Groves echoed her teammate: “I’m just really grateful to have made the jump to come over to Idaho State,” Groves said. “I’ve met my best friends and had the most fun year of collegiate softball.”
