Bauer Shuts Down Aggies: A Standout Performance by Boise State University Athletics

SAN DIEGO – During warmups, Boise State’s freshman pitcher, Olivia Bauer, spotted a monarch butterfly. It reminded her of a tattoo on her arm, which she got to honor her grandparents. "It has to be good luck," she said before stepping onto the field.

Bauer (9-4) didn’t just rely on luck; she delivered an outstanding performance in the opening game of the 2025 Mountain West Softball Championship. She pitched a shutout, leading Boise State to a 6-0 victory over Utah State, showcasing her skills with nine groundouts.

With this win, Boise State (34-20) moved ahead in the tournament, set to face top-seed Nevada Thursday at 3 p.m. PT/4 p.m. MT.

The Broncos scored multiple runs in three different innings, with four of their six runs coming with two outs.

In the first inning, Brooklynn Pettis made a quick move to second base, and Leah McAnally reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Mykenzie Hanna to score the first run. Megan Lake kept the momentum going with a single, bringing Pettis home for a 2-0 lead.

The third inning featured Makenzie Butt, who led off with a double and later scored on an error by Utah State. Sydney Groves contributed with a two-out RBI single, extending the lead to 4-0.

In the fifth inning, Chloe Hughes singled and stole second. After Hanna singled to put runners on the corners, Butt drove in her 77th run of the season. McAnally followed up with another RBI single, finalizing the score at 6-0.

Quick Facts:

• This was the fourth consecutive win for the Broncos over the Aggies, after a three-game home sweep to finish the regular season.
• Bauer’s performance marked the first shutout for a Bronco in a conference tournament.
• She is now the third freshman in Boise State history with multiple shutouts.
• Mykenzie Hanna scored twice, tying for second on the Mountain West’s single-season list with 69 runs.
• Sophia Knight tied a school record with her fifth triple this season.

As the tournament progresses, Boise State is looking to maintain this level of performance. Recent statistics show that stronger pitching and strategic offensive plays are key factors in tournament success, underscoring the importance of Bauer’s contribution to the team. Fans are excited, following the team’s journey on social media, where buzz around their underdog status is growing. It’s a thrilling time for Broncos softball.

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