The Boise State softball team had a significant start to their 2024 season. The Broncos solidified four come-from-behind wins in the Kajikawa Classic, including wins against star opponents No. 20 Northwestern and Arizona State.
The Broncos finished the tournament 4-1 and created a great amount of momentum to kickstart their spring. Following the tournament, Taylor Caudill was named National Pitcher of the Week. Caudill became the second pitcher in Boise State history to reach 400 career strikeouts.
To go along with Caudill’s accolades, freshman outfielder Sophia Knight also got a piece of the action, notching Mountain West player of the week.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (W, 4-3)
In this victory for the Broncos, both teams put up seven hits and one error. The game was tied heading into the sixth inning, but the Broncos mounted a run in the bottom of the inning and held the Wildcats to a scoreless seventh inning. Holly Farmer led the Broncos at the plate with three hits, and teammate Megan Lake had two RBIs.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS (W, 7-4)
In this win, the Broncos came through offensively. Boise State had nine hits against St. Thomas’ four. MyKenzie Hanna led her team with four RBIs. Taylor Caudill was a force in the circle, with eight strikeouts and no hits through four innings.
WISCONSIN (L, 0-9)
A big four-run fourth inning contributed to the Badgers win over the Broncos. Boise State did record seven hits on the day, but left five runners on base throughout the ballgame.
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (W, 6-4)
Arizona State started quick in this game, putting four runs on the board in the first inning. It was Boise State who ultimately scored in three straight innings. Ashlyn Whalen, Hollie Farmer and Sydney Groves all homered, and Caudill had seven notable strikeouts. This win is Boise State’s second in school history on the road against a Power Five opponent.
GRAND CANYON (W, 3-1)
The Broncos remained scoreless until the fifth inning, but their defense held strong. Caudill continued to rally on the mound, pitching seven innings and striking out six batters.
