Idaho State concluded the 2026 UNLV Rebel Classic with a strong finish, sweeping both games on the final day. The Bengals won decisively against Valparaiso, 9-1, and shut out Merrimack, 6-0, improving their tournament record to 3-2 and their overall record to 8-7. Head Coach Andrew Rich praised the team for rebounding well after earlier struggles and executing their game plan effectively. Notable pitching efforts and power hitting defined the final day, demonstrating Idaho State's potential moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Idaho State outscored opponents 15-1 on the final day of the tournament.
  • Pitchers allowed just three hits across 12 innings, holding opponents to a .077 batting average.
  • Ava Brown recorded a 1.600 slugging percentage with two home runs and four RBI.
  • Marley Goluskin struck out a career-high nine batters in a six-inning shutout.
Yes, But

While Idaho State showcased its strength in pitching and offense on the final day, earlier tournament performances included notable struggles, including a heavy loss to UNLV. This inconsistency raises questions about the team's overall reliability moving forward.

State of Play
  • Idaho State finished the UNLV Rebel Classic with an overall record of 8-7.
  • The Bengals demonstrated powerful offensive capabilities, scoring a total of 35 runs in five tournament games.
  • Pitching staff showed improvement, allowing only three hits in the final day’s play.
What's Next

Idaho State will head to Eugene, Oregon for the Oregon Classic from February 27 to March 1. The upcoming tournament will serve as another opportunity to build momentum and consistency as the Bengals continue their season.

Bottom Line

The strong finish at the UNLV Rebel Classic emphasizes Idaho State's potential, but maintaining consistency will be crucial. The team's ability to translate this momentum into reliable performances will be tested in the upcoming Oregon Classic.