In their first NCAA Tournament game ever, Idaho State lost to No. 14 Oregon 5-1, after leading early. The Bengals scored first with Alyssa Yee's double and Ava Brown's RBI single, marking their first NCAA Tournament run. Oregon's Ayanna Shaw hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, shifting the momentum decisively. Despite a solid performance, Idaho State struggled with nine strikeouts and left five runners on base. Head coach Andrew Rich praised the team for their composure in a high-pressure situation.

By the Numbers
  • Idaho State scored its first NCAA Tournament run in program history.
  • Oregon's Ayanna Shaw hit a grand slam with bases loaded, contributing to a 4-run fourth inning.
State of Play
  • Idaho State is now in the losers' bracket and faces elimination against Saint Mary's on Saturday.
  • The Bengals had five hits but struggled with 9 strikeouts, showcasing areas for improvement.
What's Next

Idaho State will analyze game footage and prepare to face Saint Mary's in an essential elimination game. A win would keep their tournament hopes alive, while a loss would end their season.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, Idaho State showed promise in their NCAA debut, emphasizing the importance of building on this experience as they vie for survival in the tournament.