Broncos Win Two at City of Trees Classic

BOISE, Idaho – After playing its first 25 games outside the Treasure Valley, Boise State softball opened its home season with a pair of wins at the City of Trees Classic, Friday.

The Broncos (17-10) rallied from six runs down to knock off St. Thomas 10-9 and routed Idaho State 8-1.

"It was a slow start, but once again we found a way to bounce back," head coach Justin Shults said. "We finished the day strong playing really good softball. We had some big swings today and Taylor Caudill gave us a great start in the second game."

In the opener, the Tommies (3-21) and Broncos combined for eight home runs. Boise State trailed 5-0 in the bottom of the third when Sydney Groves blasted a three-run home run to pull the Broncos within two.

St. Thomas stretched its advantage to 9-3 before Boise State rallied. Mykenzie Hanna hit a two-run homer in the fifth to cut the Broncos' deficit to 9-5.

In the sixth, Boise State loaded the bases on singles by Hollie Farmer, Skylar Stroh and Keely Goushá. Sophia Knight, the Broncos' leading hitter, then lined a pitch over the left-center field wall for the first homer of her career, a grand slam that tied the game 9-9.

In the seventh, Jordyn Hutchins led off with a single and raced home with the game-winning run on a double by Farmer.

Senior Taylor Caudill (9-6) dominated Idaho State (15-13) with a four-hitter and 11 strikeouts in the final game of the day. It was the most strikeouts for Caudill since her sophomore season in 2021.

The Broncos spotted the Bengals a run in the top of the first and then scored five in their half of the frame.

Knight led off with a bunt single, stole second and scored on a double by Hanna. Brooklynn Pettis walked and Groves reached on an error to load the bases.

Hutchins put Boise State on top for good with an RBI-single and Leah McAnally's sacrifice fly made the score 3-1. Groves scored on a wild pitch and Abby Bumcrot capped the rally with a one-out, RBI-single.

In the fourth, Knight led off with a triple and Pettis walked with one out to set the table for the second three-run home run of the day by Groves.

Top Broncos

Sophia Knight was 5-for-7 with a double, triple, home run, four RBI, five runs and a stolen base.
Sydney Groves hit a three-run home run in each game.
Taylor Caudill struck out 11 and tossed a four-hitter against Idaho State.

Notables

All nine starters collected a hit against St. Thomas.
Boise State has scored 69 runs in its last 36 offensive innings.
The Broncos have won six-straight games.

What's Next
Boise State hosts Santa Clara at 5 p.m., Saturday.

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Players Mentioned

Abby Bumcrot

Taylor Caudill

Hollie Farmer

Sydney Groves

Mykenzie Hanna

Jordyn Hutchins

Sophia Knight

Leah McAnally

Brooklynn Pettis

Skylar Stroh

Boise State Athletics