Here is what is happening in Boise State Athletics…
FOOTBALL
The Boise State football team defeated University of New Mexico 42-14 on Nov. 11.
Though the Black Out game was a huge success, there was no denying the breaking news that followed the morning after.
The headliner of the weekend for Boise State Athletics was the firing of head coach Andy Avalos. You can read more about the release here.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The men’s basketball team opened their season off with a strong 2-0 start against non-conference opponents, one against Vanguard (89-55), the other against University of San Francisco (63-58).
With the numerous additions to the squad and the development of key players such as Chibuzo Agbo and Tyson Degenhart, there is no doubt this Boise State squad is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
You can read more about the wins here.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Boise State opened its 2023-24 regular season with a 77-35 victory over College of Idaho on Nov. 6, in ExtraMile Arena.
The Broncos outscored the Yotes 34-19 in the second half and held College of Idaho to 19.4% shooting from the field, the fifth-lowest in program history, to solidify the season opening win.
Natalie Pasco led the Broncos with 12 points. The sophomore shot 5-of-10 from the floor, including hitting two of her three attempts from deep. Alyssa Christensen was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, finishing with 10 points on the night while making both of her 3-point attempts.
Boise State will host Weber State on Nov. 13 at ExtraMile Arena.
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball wrapped up their home slate on Nov. 11 and celebrated Senior Day with a sweep against the San Jose State Spartans
The Broncos entered the match in seventh place in the league standings and after a five-match losing streak the Broncos were in desperate need for a win. The team successfully closed the home slate with a sweep over the San Jose State Spartans, winning 25-19, 25-22, 25-17.
Junior outside hitter Paige Bartsch led the team with 15 kills, seven digs, four block assists and 17 points while middle Chey Day recorded a team season-high eight block assists on the day with four kills.
“I thought we played awesome,” Bartsch said. “There was extra motivation being senior day. I know for me, it was extra motivation for sure. I’m very close with the seniors. It’s always great playing in front of Bronco Nation. We sold out the gym, and that’s about all we can ask for; it helps so much; it was great.”
Setter Noelani Helm had a team-best 27 assists with seven kills and two block assists. Annie Kaminski had herself a match with six kills, one block solo, and two block assists for eight points. Freshman outside hitter Anabel Kotzakov also came up big for the Broncos and had a team-high 11 digs with five kills and a team-high two service aces.
“This match was about controlling emotions,” said head coach Shawn Garus. “I was a lot more concerned about our mental preparation and execution. I knew that San Jose (State) had a lot of really good athletes and were a very capable team … I’m glad that the girls managed that well and played a solid, consistent match, start to finish.”
Shawn Garus, Boise State’s Head Volleyball Coach, announced Nov. 8 the signing of four high school standouts for the 2024 campaign. The four newest Broncos include Addy Benefield (Irvine, Calif.), Eliza Sharp (Burlingame, Calif.), Katelyn Van Kirk (Bozeman, Mont.) and Lilli Etter (Spokane, Wash.).
“I am thrilled with the talent in this class,” said Garus. “They will play at a high level and be great representatives of the volleyball program in the community. I am very excited to see what they can achieve.”
SOFTBALL
The Boise State softball program signed four infielders, two pitchers, two utility players and an outfielder, head coach Justin Shults announced on Nov. 8.
“We are extremely excited to officially announce our 2024 class,” Shults said. “We have nine student-athletes who will help us get better in all phases of the game. This class has championship caliber pitching, speed and power at the plate, and elite athletes on defense. The future continues to get brighter and brighter for Bronco softball.”
Madyson Aguilera, OIivia Bauer, Makenzie Butt, Ashley Hernandez, Chloe Hughes, Shannon Keighran, Julianne Rose, Quinn Southerland and Hailey Vassalotti are among the nine new players that will be a part of the Bronco softball program.
SOCCER
Boise State women’s soccer has added seven players as part of the 2024 recruiting class, head coach Jim Thomas announced on Nov. 8.
Jillian Anderson (midfielder), Oakley Anderson (forward), Tambree Bell (forward/defender), Emily Brashear (defender), Kaylee McKeehan (defender), Sophie Schmautz (forward) and Kennedy Sullivan (forward) will be the newest members of the Bronco soccer squad.
GYMNASTICS
Boise State Gymnastics head coach Tina Bird announced the signing of three future Broncos as part of the 2024 recruiting class on Nov. 8.
The new recruits Noelle Ball, Bridget Kemp and Kristina Shchennikova are among the three future Broncos.
