Boise State To Play Clemson in Opening Round of NCAA Men's Tennis Tournament

The two-time Mountain West Conference champion Boise State men's tennis team will face #26 Clemson in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament May 10 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  

Clemson was 18-7 this year, while the Broncos were 20-9.  The Tigers have three seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen in their lineup.  Clemson lost 4-0 to #2 Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, and also lost to them earlier in the year 7-0.  Clemson owns wins over #22 Auburn (5-2), #28 Alabama (5-2), #34 Florida State (4-3), #48 Louisville (4-0), #54 North Carolina (6-1) and #55 Miami of Florida (4-3).

Clemson lost 6-0 to #3 Georgia, to #9 Duke (7-0), to #17 South Carolina (4-3), to #24 Wake Forest (4-3), to #38 North Carolina State (4-2) and to Boston College. 

Boise State defeated #50 Texas Tech (4-3) to win the Blue-Gray Championship and also beat #31 Notre Dame (4-3), #36 Minnesota (4-3) and blanked #72 Nebraska and lost to #18 California (4-1), #33 Washington (5-2), #39 BYU (4-3), #40 San Diego (5-2), #41 Stanford (4-3), #43 San Diego State (4-3), #48 Louisville (4-1) and two matches to #60 Santa Clara.  

Boise State's highest finish was the quarterfinals in 1991 and 1997, when they were ranked #4 in the nation.  The Broncos made the Sweet 16 in 1990, 1998 and 2005.

Here is the full 2013 NCAA Bracket:

Boise State Tennis Team Will Find Out NCAA Draw Soon

The selections for the 2013 NCAA Men's Tennis Tournament will begin in four minutes.  Blue Through and Through will once again be first in Idaho to tell you when, who and where Boise State plays.

Boise State One of 15 Consistent Providers of Top NFL Talent

Jamar Taylor was the 52nd Boise State player to be chosen in the NFL Draft and the fifth Bronco to be taken in the second round.  Boise State has had eight players chosen in the first three rounds since 2006 (an average of one per year) and has had a player taken in one of the first three rounds every year since 2012 except one (2009).

Boise State is one of 15 schools in the nation that has been a consistent provider of NFL talent in that time.  Those 15 schools have sent a player to the NFL in one of the first three rounds in seven of the last eight years.  

Here is that list:
Auburn (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
Boise State (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
California (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Clemson (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Florida (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
Florida State (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
Georgia (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Iowa (2006, 2007 ,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
LSU (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Notre Dame (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Ohio State (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Oklahoma (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Penn State (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Texas (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
USC (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

Boise State's D.J. Harper Signs With San Francisco

D.J. Harper, one of the most talented running backs in Boise State history, signed a free agent contract to play for the San Francisco 49'ers of the National Football League.  

Harper ran for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and 2,779 yards and 39 touchdowns in his career.  He accumulated his yards and scores against teams like Virginia, Georgia and Michigan State.

Boise State Now Has Over 85 National Science Foundation Active Awards

While the Boise, Idaho and national media have been sleeping, Boise State has accumulated more than 85 active National Science Foundation awards and subawards, and over 100 faculty members are principal and co-principal investigators.  

"Boise State faculty have been extraordinarily successful in the merit review process.  They have excellent ideas and also take great care in presenting their proposals," said Sue Kemnitzer, the NSF's Deputy Director of the Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems Division in the Directorate for Engineering.

"I think one of Boise State's strengths is that its proposals have a very healthy and genuine interdisciplinary character, which is very special.  It's actually quite rare.  It's excellent for students because that's how the world works."

Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Earns National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award

Boise State's Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, assistant professor of geosciences, studies volcano acoustics, or more specifically, how the extremely intense low-frequency sound vibrations that are produced by erupting volcanoes relate to the type of volcano they are and the eruptions that they produce.  This work has earned Dr. Johnson the National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award, arguably the nation's most prestigious award for junior university faculty members.

The five-year NSF grant, known as the CAREER Award, gives researchers such as Johnson an early-career boost of coveted and stable research funding over an extended period, an uncommon advantage for someone just starting out their research career.  Johnson, in fact, is one of four Boise State faculty members with active CAREER awards--the others are Dr. Megan Frary, materials sciences and engineering, Dr. Inanc Senocak, mechanical and biomedical engineering, and Dr. Wan Kuang, electrical and computer engineering.  

The award will allow Johnson to continue his volcano acoustic studies at erupting volcanoes in Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala and Hawai'i, as well as geothermal sites in Yellowstone National Park.  

Boise State Teams with the Universities of Utah and Cal-Davis and Florida Institute of Technology On National Science Foundation Grant

Dr. Grady Wright, associate professor of mathematics at Boise State, is the principal investigator on a collaborative National Science Foundation grant to study "Chemically-active Viscoelastic Mixture Models in Physiology".  Wright will be working with the University of Utah, University of Cal-Davis and the Florida Institute of Technology on the project, which was awarded a grant of $1.1 million.

Wright and his collaborators will utilize mathematical and computational models to provide researchers with a better understanding of certain biological processes in the human body where viscoelastic fluids such as mucus play a fundamental role.  

"Viscoelastic fluids found in the body are difficult to study experimentally," Wright said.  "Mathematical modeling and simulation of these processes provide a powerful, cheap and harmless way to understand the dynamics, mechanics and functions of these fluids."

Boise State's Cobourrn Studying Impact of Climate Change On Agriculture Sector

Dr. Kelly Cobourn, assistant Economics professor at Boise State, is examining how changes in climate and water have impacted the Snake River Basin in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.  Her work will assess how producers have adapted to changing weather patterns over the last 30 years, taking into account how water rights institutions have played a role in the decision-making process.

Cobourn, who earned a grant from NASA for the project, will use NASA satellite images as part of her research.  Cobourn believes there is a disconnect between the climate signal the region receives and the amount of water a grower gets to apply to his field.  

Cobourn will be working with Dr. Alejandro in geosciences, Dr. Scott Lowe and Dr. Sian Mooney in economics, as well as two master's students from Boise State's geosciences field and a number of undergraduates in economics.

Wakild Earns National Science Foundation Award

Dr. Emily Wakild, assistant professor in the Boise State History Department, has been awarded a $196,000 National Science Foundation award, "Comparative Histories of Scientific Conservation:  Nature, Science and Society in Patagonian and Amazonian South America".

Wakild, whose interest in the topic grew out of her first book:  Revolutionary Parks:  Conservation, Social Justice and Mexico's National Parks 1910-1940 in 2011, will focus her study on protected landscapes in South America and their collective importance.  Wakild's project will advance the cause of conservation in South America into debates about land management and nature protection by re-focusing attention on how science is produced in the field.  

Wakild will work in archives in Chile and Brazil and add that information to work she has previously done in Argentina.

Boise State Launches Ido Teach Program

The Boise State College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education have teamed to start the Ido teach program, an innovative secondary education teacher preparation program for science, technology, engineering and math.  The program will give a solid background to secondary teachers of science and math.  The program kicked off last year at Boise State.  Here are the facts about Ido Teach:

A priority program for Boise State with support from its senior leadership, deans and faculty
First UTeach replication effort in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rocky Mountain region
Centrally located within this eight-state, Pacific Northwest/Northern Rocky Mountain region, which makes up 84% of the undergraduate students at Boise State
Growing capacity and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] education research and development
Cross-section of support from the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education and College of Engineering
Will be integrated with Boise State’s STEM Station as part of its charter to increase opportunities for STEM education in the K-12 community
Partnering with business and industry to support the program and assure we are meeting the region’s STEM education needs

Boise State College of Business Continues to Be One of the World's Leaders

When I was going to Boise State, the business program was already one of the tops in the world and it's good to see the progress continuing.  

Once again, the association to advance Collegiate Schools of Business (aaCSB) has given notice to Boise State that it has maintained business accreditation through 2016.  AACSB is the hallmark of excellence in business education, earned by less than 5% of the world's business programs.  Boise State has proudly earned that distinction for nearly 40 years now.

Boise State Doctoral Program in Biomolecular Sciences Off to Great Start

The interdisciplinary doctoral program in biomolecular sciences that Boise State launched last fall has begun preparing candidates to satisfy the needs of a growing biotechnology sector and the medical community in general.  The faculty from the colleges of biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and physics combine to teach students, who can also work with faculty in other fields including materials science and engineering, kinesiology, mathematics and computer science.

Boise State Adds Two More Doctorate Degrees

Most people are fully aware of Boise State's meteoric rise to national prominence in football and other sports.  Unfortunately, the media does a terrible job of writing about the school's advances in academics.  You know from this site that the Boise State Speech & Debate Team has become nearly a perennial National Champion.

And you now know that Boise State has added two doctorate programs, one in public policy and an online nursing doctorate program.  The program focuses on ensuring that the university continues to serve as a top resource for those at all levels of government, as well as for citizens who seek improved public policy knowledge, development and implementation.

Graduates will be prepared for senior-level positions in public, nonprofit and international organizations, research in natural resource policy, environmental policy, science policy, and positions in government, nonprofit and advocacy groups and consulting organizations, as well as in academic teaching and research positions.  

Full-time and part-time students may apply now for the program that begins this fall.  Learn more at:  sspa.boisestate.edu/phd-ppa.

A newly-approved doctoral program will prepare more nurses to assume leadership responsibilites in education and the clinical work force.  The Affordable Health Care Act will lead to tens of thousands of more jobs for both nurses and doctors in the years to come since millions of people be getting annual checkups for the first time and with nearly 100% of the public being covered by insurance, more doctor visits are a logical result. 

The online doctor of nursing practice program will begin in August of this year.  Entry requires a current registered nurse license (RN), a bachelor's degree in nursing with a master's degree in a related field, or a master's degree in nursing.


“Health care systems are growing and becoming more 
complex and nurses are pivotal in these systems,” says 
Dr. Pam Springer, associate dean of the College of Health 
Sciences and director of the School of Nursing.   “Nurses 
prepared with practice doctorates have the skills 
necessary to work within these complex systems to 
improve the health care experience and outcomes.”

Boise State has forged a memorandum of understanding 
(MOU) with Idaho State University that outlines how 
graduate education at the two schools can benefit Idaho.  The agreement includes a new doctorate in nursing at ISU 
that will focus on direct care advanced practice nursing .

Boise State’s new degree is part of a broader set of 
existing and newly approved graduate programs at Boise State that also include two existing master’s degrees 
in nursing and a new adult-Gerontology nurse 
practitioner program that includes a master’s degree in adult-gerontology nursing and two new graduate certificates: 
adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and acute care, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. 

Bridges Breaks School Home Run Record in Loss

Devon Bridges blasted career homer #38 this afternoon to break the school record.  The Lady Broncos weren't able to capitalize, however, losing 5-4 to Colorado State.

With six games remaining in their regular season, Boise State needs to win at least five, and they may need to win all six of them.  The Broncos travel to UNLV for three before closing out the year at home against Nevada.  First-place San Diego State (8-4 in MWC play) travels to Colorado State for three, then returns home to host UNLV.  San Diego State is a full three games ahead of Boise State, and there are several other teams in between as well.

Broncos Win Mountain West

It was a tough battle, but Patton's Army has done it again--they've won another conference title!

Boise State edged New Mexico this afternoon to take the Mountain West Conference tournament and the automatic NCAA berth that goes with it.  Boise State lost the doubles point, making it tougher on themselves.

But when the six players scattered to the singles courts, the Broncos took care of business, winning four of those six matches.  Garrett Patton won his match at #6 singles, 6-3, 6-4 to even the score at 1.  Thomas Tenreiro won yet, taking a 6-3, 6-2 straight set victory.  Scott Sears was beaten at #3 singles 6-3, 6-1 as New Mexico tied the match at 2.  Mitch McDaniels of New Mexico downed Fillipp Pogostkin 6-3, 6-4 and was within one of stealing the crown.  

But dependable Andy Bettles kept Boise State's hopes alive with a 6-2, 6-4 win at #1 singles.  All ties turned to court #2 where Nathan Sereke was locked in a three-set match with Conor Berg of New Mexico.  The two competitors traded 6-2 wins in the opening two sets.  Berg scored a service break to go up 4-2 in the third set.  But Sereke fought back.  They then proceeded to a 6-6 tie in the third set, bringing on a tiebreaker in an already dramatic match.  Sereke won that tiebreaker, leading to hoots and hollers from the Broncos.  They were Mountain West Champs for the second straight year!

Boise State will find out their draw in the NCAA's Tuesday, but one thing's for sure--the Broncos will score more points in the Learfield Cup just for making the tourney.

New Mexico Upsets San Diego State 4-2

Top seed San Diego State lost the doubles point, then lost the match 4-2 to upstart New Mexico in the MWC Men's Tennis semifinal.  It's always scary to play a hot team, and New Mexico is definitely that.  

Boise State and New Mexico will meet tomorrow for the honor of being the Mountain West Conference representative in the NCAA Tennis Tournament.  The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. Mountain Time tomorrow in Colorado Springs.

Boise State Blanks UNLV 4-0 in MWC Semi

Dominating performances such as this are supposed to take place in the regular season in a first place vs. last-place match.  Boise State won the doubles point, then all six Bronco singles players won their opening set.

Nathan Sereke won his match at #2 singles 6-1, 6-3, then Thomas Tenreiro put away UNLV's Charlie Alvarado 6-3, 6-2.  Filipp Pogostkin has just won his match at #4 singles, 6-3, 6-3 to give Boise State a surprisingly easy 4-0 win in the Mountain West Conference Men's Tennis semifinal against the Rebels.  At the time of the clinching victory, all remaining three Bronco players led in their individual matches as well.

Boise State advances to tomorrow's final against the winner of the New Mexico-San Diego State match.  New Mexico won the doubles point and the upstart Lobos are tied with the top seed 2-2 and in fact have the advantage in singles play as of the moment.

Tenreiro Wins 17th Straight Match

Thomas Tenreiro has been rock solid for Boise State at the #5 singles player, which bodes well for the Broncos' postseason hopes.  Usually in NCAA tennis, the #4, 5 and 6 players decide the match.

Today, Thomas won his 17th straight singles match, 6-3, 6-2 to put Boise State up 3-0 in their MWC semifinal match against UNLV.  Boise State won the doubles point and Nathan Sereke won his match at #2 singles, 6-1, 6-3.

Filipp Pogostkin has earned a break in his second set at #4 singles and lead 4-3 after winning the opening set 6-3.

However, Andy Bettles lost a break in his second set and trails 4-3 after winning his first set 7-5.

Sears Wins Tiebreaker

Scott Sears won a tiebreaker to take his opening set at #3 singles, 7-6.  Amazingly, all six Broncos won their opening sets of a conference semifinal match.

Sereke Wins Second Set 6-3

Nathan is the first Bronco to finish and will play the role of cheerleader for the rest of the match.  Sereke won his match at #2 singles, 6-1, 6-3 to put Boise State up on UNLV 2-0 in their MWC semifinal match.

Scott Sears of Boise State and Tamas Batyi are locked in a first set tiebreaker, the only two competitors yet to finish their first set.

Thomas Tenreiro leads his second set 5-2, trying to win his match at #5 singles.  Johannes Markel of UNLV and Boise State's Garrett Patton have split their first two sets.

Patton Loses Second Set

Well, Garrett Patton did lose the second set, 6-2, after winning every game of the first set 6-0.  He moves to the third set against Johannes Markel of UNLV.

Bettles Wins 7-5

Andy Bettles added a little insurance with a 7-5 win in the first set of his match at #1 singles against Ace Matias.  Five Broncos have now won opening sets, though Garrett Patton is down 5-2 in the second set of the match in which he won the first set.

Patton Loses Break in Second Set

We hope this isn't reminiscent of the women's match yesterday, in which Manuella Pietzuch won her opening set 6-0 only to lose the second set.  However, Garrett Patton of Boise State, who breezed to a 6-0 win in his first set today, just lost a serve and is down 5-2 in the second set.

Boise State Wins Again 5-2

Boise State topped Colorado State 5-2 behind Kenzie Cole's first career save.  With the first two games complete in the series, the Lady Broncos try to get the sweep that they desperately need to get back in the MWC race.  Boise State is currently tied with UNLV for fifth in the conference and is 3.5 games behind first-place San Diego State.  There is no postseason tournament, so the regular season dictates which team advances to the NCAA's.

Tenreiro Wins Opening Set

Make it four for four.  Thomas Tenreiro has won his opening set 6-3, becoming the fourth Bronco to do so.  Three have to win their singles matches for Boise State to advance to tomorrow's final.  Five lead right now with only Scott Sears behind 5-4.

Pogostkin Wins Opening Set

Filipp Pogostkin is the third Bronco to win his opening set, as he beat Bernard Schoeman 6-3. Garrett Patton at #6 singles and Nathan Sereke at #2 singles have also won today.

Sears Suffers a Break

Scott Sears has lost serve and now trail Tamas Batyi 5-4 at #3 singles.  Batyi is the first Rebel to record a break in the opening set of singles play.  Boise State leads the match 1-0 with their doubles victory.

Lady Broncos Continue To Lead CSU 5-2

Boise State batting in the bottom of the sixth.

A win would put the Lady Broncos within one game of Colorado State, but San Diego State at 8-3 is the new conference leader.  Boise State got off to a rugged start in Mountain West play and is now 4-6, but can move into a tie for fifth in the conference with a win today.

Sereke Wins First Set 6-1

Two Broncos have now won the opening set as Nathan Sereke joins Garrett Patton.  Andy Bettles lost serve early at #1 singles but just earned his own break and leads 4-3.  No other breaks at this time.

Patton First to Finish First Set

Garrett Patton has the first set in the books in Colorado Springs.  Patton beat Johannes Markel of UNLV 6-0 and will now try to win the match.

Bettles Gets Break at #1 Singles

Andy Bettles, Boise State's most celebrated singles player in several years, has gotten a service break and leads Ace Matias of UNLV 3-2.  Bettles lost an early serve so the match is now even.  Boise State has two breaks at the MWC Men's Tennis Championships.  Nathan Sereke now leads 5-0 at #2 singles and Garrett Patton lead 3-0 at #6 singles.

Two Early Breaks in Singles Play for Boise State

Nathan Sereke at 32 singles and Garrett Patton at #6 singles have both earned breaks early in their matches with UNLV.  Both lead 3-0 in the first set with Boise State leading the match 1-0.

Boise State Gets Doubles Point

Toby Mitchell and Aidan Reid held on to beat Carlos Di Laura and Gilad Berman of UNLV 8-5 at #3 doubles, securing the doubles point for Boise State.  Action moves to singles.

Bettles and Sereke First To Finish

Andy and Nathan have won at #1 doubles, 8-5 at the MWC Men's Tennis Championships in Colorado Springs.  

Garrett Patton and Scott Sears gave up a late break at #2 doubles and lost 8-5 to UNLV's Tamas Batyi and Johannes Markel.  Awaiting the result at #3 doubles, which Boise State leads.

New Mexico stole the doubles point from top seed San Diego State and leads 1-0 in the other conference semifinal.

Breaks Go Boise State's Way Early

The #1 doubles team of Bettles and Sereke has gotten a break and leads Bernard Schoeman and Ace Matias of UNLV 7-5 at the MWC Men's Tennis Championships in Colorado Springs.  Mitchell and Reid at #3 doubles also have a break and lead 7-4.  No breaks at #2 doubles yet.

Blue Through and Through is once again the first in Idaho to report this information (Thank-you, thank-you!)

Two Errors Aid Broncs

Boise State has plated four more runs and leads first-place Colorado State 5-0.  The Broncos have the bases loaded with two outs.

Hayley Young Takes Her Place As One of the Top Women's Golfers Ever at Boise State

Bronco senior Hayley Young concluded her great Boise State career with a seventh-place finish to lead her team to second place at the Mountain West women's golf championships.  Young was 11 over for the weekend.

With her finish this weekend, Young tied the school record set by Marie Beasley (1999-2003) for the most career Top 10 finishes with 11 and extended her own mark with her 20th career Top 25 finish.  Young also tied Acey Erlandson (1999-2000) for the school record with her fifth Top 10 finish of the year and tied Daniella Wall-Thompson (1994-95) for the school record with her eighth Top 25 finish of the year. 

Young's scoring average of 75.19 also broke a school mark that Young set her sophomore year.  Young finishes her time at Boise State with three of the top five single-season scoring averages in school history.

Congratulations on a super career, Hayley.  Thanks for the memories, and we will miss you!

Matt Post Wins Hammer By Nearly 35 Feet

Matt Post dominated the competition today in the hammer.  Post threw 209-04, nearly 35 feet better than the next best thrower.

Kreiger Homer Leads Boise State To Win

With one pitch, Jordan Kreiger has put her team on the board against first-place Colorado State.  The Lady Broncos lead CSU at Dona Larsen, 1-0 in the third.

Still No Breaks in Boise State-UNLV Match

No breaks to report, with the duo of Andrew Bettles and Nathan Sereke leading 3-2 At #1 doubles and Garrett Patton and Scott Sears down 4-3 at #2 doubles.  Toby Mitchell and Aidan Reid lead 3-2 in #3 doubles.  Boise State taking on UNLV in the semifinal of the Mountain West Conference Men's Tennis Championships.

Lady Broncos Finish Second in Mountain West Championships

Hats off to a spectacular performance at the Mountain West Women's Golf Championships for the Boise State Lady Broncos at Rancho Mirage, California.  Boise State was in second after each round and finished that way today.

In placing second, Boise State recorded the second-best conference finish in school history, beaten only by the Broncos' conference title in 1994, and beat two teams ranked in the nation's Top 100.  Boise State's final three-round score of 916 (310, 304, 302) tied a school record for the best performance at a conference championship, matching the mark set at the 2009 Western Athletic Conference event.  Boise State's final round of 302 tied the school record for the best single round, set in 2011.

"I have never been more proud of a team," head coach Nicole Bird said. "This entire season was amazing - we tied or broke nearly every school record in the book this year, and continued to get better throughout the season.

#43 UNLV surged into the lead yesterday and didn't let up, shooting a +12 today.  The Rebels won the tournament by 12 strokes over Boise State, which finished +52 for the weekend.

Fresno State finished 16 over-par today and +54 for the tournament.  Nevada snuck in for fourth with +58, while #55 San Diego State had to settle for fifth (+62).  New Mexico (+18, +85) was sixth, followed by Colorado State (+28, +86) and Wyoming (+33, +105).

Hayley Young finished 11 over for the tournament, tied for 7th individually, and was named second-team All-Mountain West.  Freshman Samantha Martin picked a great time to record her first career Top 10 finish, a tie for ninth, with a three-round score of 228.  Fellow freshman McKenzie Ford was 11th with a 229.  Senior Lori Harper and freshman Sammie Pless tied for 24th with three-round totals of 238.

Men's Tennis Finally Underway

Don't know the reason for the delay in Colorado Springs but Boise State and UNLV now finally playing their match that was supposed to start at 2.  No breaks yet--we will keep you updated.

Bronco Women Nearing Spectacular Finish

The Boise State women's golf team, down in the dumps for over a decade, is now three strokes ahead of Fresno State for second place at the 2013 Mountain West Conference Championships.  The Broncos have had an awesome weekend, and have been in second place for nearly the entire tournament.  

They won't catch #43 UNLV, which is 13 strokes ahead, but they have a chance to record the second-best conference finish in school history if they can hold on.  Boise State has only won one conference title, and that was back in 1994.  Their next-best finish was third place in 2001-2002.

Boise State Gets More Wins at Idaho-Utah Border Clash

The women's 4 x 100-meter relay team won in easy fashion, as frankly every Boise State team should do at this meet.  The team of Destiny Gammage, Mackenzie Flannigan, Taryn Campos and Heather Pilcher crossed first in 45.49, breaking their own school record of 45.67 set a week ago.  The men's relay team of Bret Scheve, Daveon Collins, Justin Malnes and Jordin Andrade won in 40.90.

In the women's 4 x 400, the Bronco team of Megan Kelley, Campos, Yvonne Bennett and Flannigan won by 11 seconds (3:45.63).

Malnes won the 110-meter hurdles in 14.38.  Emily Funkhouser won the women's 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:01.93 while Andrade took the men's in 51.73.   

Taryn Campos won the women's 200 with a time of 23.85, the second-fastest time in school history.

Nick Lobb won the steeplechase in 9:33.93.

Osai Wins Hammer

Alyssa Osai, who broke the school mark in the discus yesterday, turned around and won the women's hammer throw today, with a heave of 176-4.

Osai Shatters School Record in Discus

Alyssa Osai of Boise State set a new school record in the discus to highlight action in the opening day of the Idaho-Utah Border Clash at Dona Larsen Park, the final home meet of the 2013 season.

Osai uncorked a throw of 159' 3", breaking the record that Gloria Dillard set in 1992 (158-6).  Osai bettered her career best by over 13 feet in setting the mark.

Lauran Lucas won the 1,500-meter in 4:37.03.  Austin Hamiltin won the javelin with a throw of 209-5 while Luke Schafer finished first in the pole vault with a vault of 14-5.25.

Day two is underway at Dona Larsen.

Down To Three-Team Race

And UNLV all but has it wrapped up.  The Rebels have three holes to go and have a 14-stroke lead on Boise State at the MWC Women's Golf Championships.  Fresno State is right behind Boise State with a +53 for the weekend, one stroke behind the Broncos.  Here are the teams that have finished:

#4 Nevada +58, shot a nice +9 today
#5 San Diego State +62
#6 New Mexico +85
#7 Colorado State +86
#8 Wyoming +105

Boise State and UNLV Underway in MWC Men's Tennis Semi

The two teams have taken to the court in Colorado Springs with the winner advancing to the Mountain West title match.

Boise State Nudges Into Second With Four Holes To Play

Not sure, but a second place might be the best conference finish for a Boise State women's golf team since 1996.  That was the last time Boise State captured a conference crown.

With just four holes left on the final day of the MWC Championships, the Lady Broncos have pulled two strokes ahead of Fresno State.  They are 12 over par for the day, but still 11 back of UNLV.  

Boise State Women's Golfers Still 3rd after 12 holes

Heading into the final eight holes of the weekend, Boise State is still in third place at the Mountain West Women's Golf Championships.  Boise State is 11 over, several strokes off the 304 pace they set yesterday when they pulled even with first-day leader Fresno State.

The Bulldog women are 10 over while the Nevada teams, UNLV (+6) and Nevada (+7) lead the way in the final round.  Nevada, in fact, has pulled within seven strokes of Boise State for third while UNLV leads Fresno by 13 and Boise State by 14.  #55 San Diego State has fallen 28 strokes off the pace and is +62 for the weekend.

Boise State 2 Over After Five Holes

So far Boise State with the second best score for the third consecutive round at the MWC Women's Golf Championships.  UNLV has cooled down to three over and has a nine-stroke lead on the Broncos and eight on Fresno State.

Bronco Women 2 Over In Early Going

Boise State is two-over-par after two holes in the final round of the Mountain West Conference Women's Golf Championships.  UNLV continues to pour it on, one under par this morning, and leads Fresno State by 11 and Boise State by 14.

Boise State #83 in Final Winter Standings of Learfield Cup

Thanks to a 25th-place finish in women's gymnastics, Boise State jumped from 89 to 83 in the Learfield Cup Standings.  Boise State was awarded 26.5 points for their gymnastics finish.  These are the final Standings for the winter sports, with only the spring sports remaining.  Earlier in the winter, the Broncos scored 55 points with a 19th-place finish at the 2013 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

While this is not Boise State's best year overall, the Broncos did get points in men's basketball for the first time in several years.  Boise State was awarded 5 points for their inclusion in the tournament; had they won that opening round game, they would have scored 25 so a big loss there.  And, Boise State is just behind Oregon State and Mississippi State in the Cup Standings, and ahead of schools such as Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati, schools supposedly "superior" to Boise State in overall athletic department success.

Boise State needs the men's tennis team to qualify for the NCAA Championships, probably the school's best chance to pick up points this spring.

Final Round of MWC Women's Golf

Senior Hayley Young

The final round of the MWC Women's Golf Championships is about to get underway.  UNLV golfed like everyone thought they would yesterday, as they came from behind to take a 10-stroke lead on Fresno State and Boise State.  The Rebels are 28 over par for the tournament with the Lady Bulldogs and Broncos at 38 over.  San Diego State is another 10 strokes back followed by Nevada who, like Boise State, is a surprise thus far.  Colorado State (+58), New Mexico (+67) and Wyoming (+72) round out the field.

Boise State should tee off approximately 10:30 Saturday morning in the final round.

Boise State Knocks Off Rams

It's just game one of a three-game series, but Boise State has beaten the best the Mountain West has to offer.

A throwing error allowed Rose Saenz to score in the bottom of the ninth to give the Lady Broncos a 3-2 win today at Dona Larsen Park.  Kacie McCarthy held Boise State hitless until the eighth inning with a 2-0 lead.  Tara Glover led off with a single, and took third on a double by Holly Bourke.  One batter later, a groundout by Mackenzie Whyte plated Glover and a single by Sarah Barnes scored Bourke to tie the score.

Saenz led off the ninth with a single then advanced to second on a walk.  She moved to third on a ground ball by Jordan Kreiger, and scored on the error.  Rebecca Patton allowed seven hits through eight innings, then Kenzie Cole came on in the ninth to pick up the victory.  

The two teams meet again tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Boise State and CSU Tied

The teams have scored runs, but they're still tied.  2-2 with Boise State batting in the bottom of the ninth.

Softball Update

Boise State finally got a hit, but we're still scoreless in the top of the eighth--the Lady Broncos and first-place Colorado State.  Two on and one out for the Rams.

Lady Broncos and First-Place Colorado State Scoreless

Well, Boise State has struggled this season and is in the lower half of the Mountain West softball standings, but right now, we have a great pitching dual happening in Boise between the Lady Broncos and the first-place Colorado State Rams.

Scoreless through six with CSU batting in the top of the seventh.  Don't you wish you were there?

Rebecca Patton of Boise State has allowed just four hits thus far, but Kacie McCarthy of Colorado State has a no-hitter through six.

Boise State Still Second at Mountain West Women's Golf Championship

The good news is that Boise State caught first-round leader and both teams are 38 over par after two days of competition at the Mountain West Conference Women's Golf Championship.

The bad news is that favorite UNLV has passed both like they were standing still and now owns a 10-stroke lead.  The third and final round will be tomorrow.  Boise State has not won a conference championship in women's golf since 1996.

Boise State and Oklahoma State Agree To Home and Home in Football

In a major coup for Boise State Athletic Director Mark Coyle, the Broncos and Oklahoma State have agreed to a home-and-home series in football beginning in 2018.

Boise State will travel to Stillwater on September 15, 2018 while the Cowboys will visit Boise in 2021.  

"We're excited about the opportunity to bring Oklahoma State to Bronco Stadium," Boise State Director of Athletics Mark Coyle said. "Boise State has proven it will play high-level competition, but our goal is to continue to schedule home-and-home series, so Bronco Nation has the opportunity to see these games in Boise."

The Broncos have also recently announced home-and-home series with Virginia (2015 and 2017) and Florida State (2019 and 2020) of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and Connecticut (2014 and 2018) of the American Athletic Conference.

Boise State has a 2-0 record against Big 12 Conference teams with both wins coming in the postseason.  The Broncos  defeated Iowa State 34-16 in the 2002 Humanitarian Bowl, and knocked off Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime at the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Boise State Still 12 Over at MWC Women's Golf Championships

Boise State is golfing well now, going par for the last several holes to stay 12 over for the day.  The Lady Broncos are now just two strokes in back of Fresno State, gaining seven on the Bulldogs in the last four holes.  The story of the day, though, is UNLV.  As we have been pointing out, it's the Rebels that are shining on this day, just two over par through 17 holes today.  UNLV is now 28 over par for the tournament and owns a four-stroke lead over Fresno State and they have six strokes on Boise State.  UNLV started the day eight strokes back, so they have outplayed Fresno State by 12 strokes today.

Boise State is 10 strokes up on #55 San Diego State.

Boise State 12 Strokes Over

The Broncos are golfing about like they did yesterday.  The difference is that yesterday, the course was tough and today it's playing much easier.  UNLV has taken advantage, and is only four over on the day through 15 holes.  The Rebels have come to move up the ladder and they are doing just that, moving past Boise State and within two strokes of Fresno State, which is 28 over par for the championship thus far.  

The Broncos are four back of UNLV, seven ahead of #55 San Diego State and 10 strokes ahead of fifth-place Nevada.

Nevada Beats Boise State 4-2

Nevada rallied for four singles victories out of five matches to defeat Boise State today 4-2 and advance to the semifinals of the Mountain West Women's Tennis championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Broncos won the doubles point, then were dominated by the Wolf Pack players in singles.  Michelle Okhremchuck surrendered the first set to Boise State's Marlena Pietzuch 6-4, then it was all Okhremchuck, sho won the last two sets 6-3 and 6-2.

Boise State could have scored a third point, but Manuela Pietzuch, who won her opening set 6-0, lost a second set tiebreaker, 7-6.

MWC Women's Golf Update

Boise State now 10 over today and the Lady Broncos and UNLV are at 32 over for the tournament, nine strokes behind off the pace set by Fresno State.  Nevada is golfing well now and is four strokes behind San Diego State (+35) for fourth.

The Pietzuchs

Marlena continues to trail a break at #1 singles and will serve, down 5-2.  She must win her match for her team to win.  Sister Manuela is locked up in a second set tie-breaker after winning the first set easily 6-0.  Manuela must also win for Boise State to advance.

Lalone Rebounds for 6-4, 6-3 Win

The two tennis players at #4 singles traded breaks in the final moments, and that gave Megan LaLone a 6-4, 6-3 victory.  Boise State now trails Nevada 3-2.

However, Marlena Pietzuch has surrendered a break at #1 singles and trails 4-1 in the third and final set.  Both remaining Broncos (coincidentally the Pietzuch twins) must win for Boise State to advance and this is a significant turn of events with first Sandy Vo losing at #2 and now Marlena falling behind at #1.

LaLone Gives Up Her Break at #4 Singles

Boise State being taken to the mat, and we're not talking wrestling.  After winning the doubles point, the Lady Broncos have lost three consecutive singles matches.  Sandy Vo was up a break in the second set and ended up losing.  Megan LaLone was up a break at #4 singles trying to beat Shelia Smiley but has now given that up and leads 4-3.

It's going to be decided by the third set by the Pietzuch twins at #1 and #6 singles, and LaLone has to win her match as well.  LaLone won last week 6-4, 6-0.

Sandy Vo Goes Down

In a big blow to Boise State's hopes of beating Nevada, #2 singles player Sandy Vo has lost, 6-4, 6-4.  She defeated the same opponent, Emma Verberne, 6-3, 7-5 last week.

Nevada now leads 3-1 and is one match away from victory.

A Six-Team Race at the MWC Women's Golf Championships

Boise State now eight over par (+30 overall), losing strokes on the holes in which UNLV gained them.  Good news from the Rebel front:  UNLV has lost strokes on holes 10 and 11 and is five over.

Boise State has the second-best score thus far at eight over.  Fresno State (+23 overall) and UNLV (+31) are tied at five over, but UNLV has played three more holes thus far and has clearly stepped up today.

Watson Loses

Sammie Watson has lost at #5 singles, 6-2, 6-4 at the MWC Women's Tennis Championships in Colorado Springs.  That is the identical score that Juliette Legendre of Nevada beat her last week in Boise.

Nevada now leads the match 2-1 after capturing both singles matches decided thus far.  Boise State won the doubles point, but has yet to carry the momentum over to singles play.

Sandy Vo has just given up her break at #2 singles and trails 5-4 to Emma Verberne of Nevada.

Four matches remain and Boise State must win three of them.  They're going to a third set at #1 singles, Vo trails 5-4 at #2 singles, Megan LaLone is up 3-0 in the second set trying to finish Sheila Smiley of Nevada, and Manuela Pietzuch is trying to fight off service to keep playing the second set at #6 singles, down 6-5.  Manuela won the opening set 6-0.

So the Broncos are not in trouble yet.  But they are facing a stretch in which they must gain the upper hand or lose the match.

Marlena Pietzuch Loses Second Set 6-3

Boise State's #1 singles player, Marlena Pietzuch is heading to a third set.  Pietzuch and Michelle Okhremchuk of Nevada split their first two sets, with Marlena winning 6-4 before Okhremchuck came back for a 6-3 win in the second set.  The Broncos don't have to have Pietzuch win to win the match, but it would be nice.

Morgan Basil Loses, 6-1, 6-3

Morgan Basil is the first casualty for Boise State against Nevada, losing at #3 singles, 6-1, 6-3.  She lost last week to Sophie Stevens, 6-4, 6-4.

The match is tied at one game apiece now.

Women's Tennis Update

Boise State doing better in this stretch.  Marlena Pietzuch was down two breaks at #1 singles but has earned one of those back and trails 4-3.

Sandy Vo is up a break at #2 singles at leads 4-3.

Morgan Basil was up early but has surrendered a break and trails 4-3 at #3 singles.

Megan LaLone, who won her first set, has gotten a break and leads 3-0.

Manuela Pietzuch, who won her first set 6-0 and then gave up two service breaks, has gotten one back and trails 5-4 at #6 singles.

No breaks at #5 singles, with Sammie Watson of Boise State serving, down 5-4 in the second set.  She lost the opening set 6-2 to Nevada's Juliette Legendre.

In summary, the teams split the opening sets in the six singles matches.  Nevada has three breaks in the second set to two for Boise State.

Boise State leads the team score, 1-0 after winning the doubles point.

UNLV Catches, Passes Boise State

The Broncos are doing about as well as they can at the MWC Women's Golf Championships, at six over par after eight holes.  But the conference favorite, UNLV, is finally golfing up to pre-championship expectations.  The #43 Rebels are still only one over par through nine holes and are 27 over for the tournament.  They have caught and passed Boise State, which is 28 over and is also one hole behind UNLV.  

Fresno State is still in first, 22 strokes over par, while San Diego State is in fourth, 31 over.

Basil and Manuela Pietzuch Give Up Breaks

For Manuela at #6 singles, it's her second of the second set after beating Caroline Konigsfeldt 6-0 in the first set.  Morgan Basil had a 2-1 lead but after losing serve, trails 3-2.  

Nevada now leads the second set in four of the six matches.  The only ones with no break are #2 singles, in which Sandy Vo is up a break 2-1, and #4 singles, which hasn't started their second set yet.

Vo Loses 6-4

So the opening sets in all six singles matches are complete at the MWC Women's Tennis Championships.  Boise State won three and Nevada won three.  That's exactly what Boise State needs to do to defeat the Wolf Pack, but things aren't so rosy in the second sets, where Nevada leads in five of the six matches.

Lady Bronco Golfers Now Just One Stroke Ahead of UNLV

Boise State didn't gain over the last few holes and is now four over par, just one stroke overall ahead of #43 UNLV.  If you're going to beat a nationally-regarded team, it's best to maintain a huge lead over them.  But again, Boise State hasn't won a conference title in women's golf since 1994 and it would take a miracle to do it this year.

LaLone Wins Opening Set 6-4

Morgan LaLone came through with a late 6-4 win in the opening set at #4 singles, meaning three Broncos have won their opening sets against Nevada.  That is how many Broncos need to win their singles matches for the team to advance to tomorrow's semifinal.

In the only other match in which they are still playing the first set, Sandy Vo trails 5-4 at #2 singles.

In the second set, Manuela Pietzuch, who won her opening set 6-0 at #6 singles, has surrendered a break and trails 4-1.  And, Morgan Basil, who lost her opening set 6-1, has given up a break and trails 3-2 in the second set.  Marlena Pietzuch, who just minutes ago won the opening set at #1 singles, 6-4, gave up serve in the opening game of the second set and trails 1-0.  Three Broncos already down in their respective second sets.

Both Pietzuch Sisters Win Opening Set

With a late rally, Marlena Pietzuch has won the opening set at #1 singles at the 2013 Mountain West Conference Women's Tennis Championships.  Pietzuch defeated Michelle Okhremchuck of Nevada 6-4.  Sister Manuela Pietzuch was the first to record an opening-set win with a 6-0 result at #6 singles.

Nevada has won two opening sets--at #3 singles where Sophie Stevens stopped Morgan Basil 6-1, and at #5 singles, where Juliette Legendre downed Sammie Watson of Boise State 6-2.

Sandy Vo is down a break at #2 singles and trails 5-4 with Emma Verberne serving for the set. In the only other singles match, Sheila Smiley of Nevada leads Megan LaLone 3-2 with no breaks there.

Boise State leads the match 1-0 after winning the doubles point.

LaLone and Pietzuch Get Breaks

Megan LaLone has gone out in front of her opponent 5-4, getting back one of the breaks she lost earlier at #4 singles.  Meanwhile, Marlena Pietzuch has a 5-4 lead at #1 singles and is serving for the set.

Bad Stretch for Lady Bronco Netters

After winning the doubles point, Boise State put themselves in good position in the opening round of the MWC Women's Tennis Championship.  Things are going South for the moment, however.

After Manuela Pietzuch provided inspiration to her teammates with a 6-0 opening-set win, the Lady Broncos have responded by losing two opening sets, and now Sandy Vo is down a break at #2 singles, 4-3.  Vo defeated the same opponent last week 6-3, 7-5.  That means that Marlena Pietzuch and Megan LaLone must both win, or one of the players who lost or are losing their opening set must rally.

Fresno State Loses A Couple Strokes

Fresno State, the leader in the clubhouse yesterday, is now five strokes over par in the second round of the MWC Women's Golf Championships.  Boise State is still two over after six holes and trails the Bulldog women by one stroke.  

However, #43 UNLV has outplayed both today and is one over after eight holes.  The Rebels are just three strokes back of Boise State.

Boise State has not won a conference championship in women's golf in 18 years, nor a championship in golf in either sex since 1994.

Watson Loses Final Three Games of First Set

Sammie Watson was in her match at #5 singles against Juliette Legendre, but the Nevada netter won the final three games of the first set to take the set 6-2.

Also, Sophie Stevens continued to be the aggressor at #3 singles and downed Morgan Basil 6-1 in the first set.  Two Wolf Pack players have won opening sets to one for Boise State.  The Broncos need a split of the six singles matches to advance in the tournament.

Boise State-Nevada Women's Tennis Update

Boise State leads 1-0 having won the doubles point over Nevada.  Manuela Pietzuch of Boise State was the first singles player to win an opening set, defeating her opponent at #6 singles, 6-0.  Sophie Stevens of Nevada is up a break at #3 singles, 4-1.  Megan LaLone of Boise State had lost a break at #4 singles, but has pulled even and is serving down 3-2.

No other breaks at this time.  Marlena Pietzuch is down at #1 singles 4-3, Sandy Vo leads at #2 singles 3-2 and Sammie Watson of Boise State is trailing 3-2 at #5 singles.

Manuela Pietzuch Performing Like a Short Order Cook

The #6 singles player wasted no time in taking the first set, 6-0 over Caroline Konigsfeldt of Nevada at the MWC Women's Tennis Championships in Colorado Springs.  Unfortunately, Morgan Basil and Megan La Lone are down a break at #3 and #4 singles, respectively.

Basil Loses Serve

Morgan Basil has given up a break at #3 singles and trails 4-1.  Nevada has two breaks in singles in the opening set while Boise State has one at the MWC Women's Tennis Championships.  The Broncos have to split the six singles matches to advance to the semifinal tomorrow.

Manuela with a Break

Manuela Pietzuch has gotten the first break in singles play at the 2013 MWC Women's Tennis Championships.  Manuela is up 3-0 at #6 singles.  

Megan LaLone, however, is down 3-0 at #4 singles.  No other breaks at this time.  The Broncos won the doubles point and lead Nevada 1-0.

Lady Bronco Golfers Still in Second

Boise State is still two over after four holes today in the second round of the MWC Women's Golf Championships.  Boise State is 24 shots over par so far including yesterday's full round and the partial round today.  The Lady Broncos have the second best score of the day, tied with San Diego State and one behind #43 UNLV, which is currently one over par through eight holes.  But the Rebels were two under par through four holes, essentially meaning they have picked up three strokes on the Broncos early.

Boise State needs to pick up a stroke in the next three holes to pull even with UNLV today.

Here are the Current Standings:

1.  Fresno State (+3 today, +21 overall, fourth hole)
2.  Boise State (+2, +24, fifth hole)
3.  San Diego State (+2, +26, sixth hole)
4.  UNLV (+1, +27, seventh hole)
5.  Nevada (+5, +33, eighth hole)
6.  Colorado State (+10, +38, ninth hole)
7.  New Mexico (+11, +46, 10th hole)
8.  Wyoming (+13, +68, 11th hole)

Boise State Currently #89 in Learfield Cup

Boise State is awaiting the release of the Final Winter Standings for the 2012-2013 Learfield Cup today.  The Cup awards a trophy at the end of each school year to the school with the best overall athletic program.  Because they field a quality team in nearly every eligible sport, Stanford wins it nearly every year.

Boise State moved from #114 to #89 in the last Standings released on April 11 because of a 19th-place finish at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.  The Broncos received 55 points for their performance there.  

After today's report, just the spring sports remain in the competition.

Boise State Lady Broncos Two Over

Boise State is now two over par today after three holes in the second round of the Mountain West Women's Golf Championship.  As a result, the Broncos are now just one stroke up on #55 San Diego State and two strokes ahead of #43 UNLV.  Fresno State is three over and continues to lead the competition with a team score of 21 over par.  Boise State is 24 over thus far.

As a comparison, UNLV was two under par at this point this morning, so the Rebels have gained four strokes on Boise State in the first three holes.  UNLV, however, lost three strokes on the next four holes so there's an opportunity if the Lady Broncos can focus in the next hour.

LaLone and Oshiro Come Through

The #3 doubles team of Megan LaLone and Bobbi Oshiro have won 8-4, giving Boise State the doubles point.  The action at the 2013 Mountain West Women's Tennis Championship quarterfinal moves to the singles courts.  Last week in a 4-3 loss to Nevada, the Broncos lost the doubles point.  Still gotta' keep the pressure on through singles.

Boise State Softball Team Hosts Colorado State at 3 P.M. Today

The Bronco softball team has found the going tough in Mountain West, as we told you after they had lost to Big Sky teams earlier in the year.  Boise State must sweep first-place Colorado State this weekend to crawl back in the race.  First pitch today is at 3 at Dona Larsen Park.

Basil & Vo Win 8-5

The Bronco #2 doubles team has won 8-5, reversing a loss to these same opponents less than one week ago in Boise.  The Broncos have one in the bag and need one more doubles win to secure the point.

Boise State Women Golfers One Over Today Thus Far

The Broncos are finally in action, having to wait until the lower-ranked teams got far enough along in the course.  Boise State and Fresno State are both one over through two holes--the Bulldogs still lead at 19 over par, Boise State is 23 over while UNLV and San Diego State, the favorites, are moving up fast from behind, both at 24 over.

Bronco #2 and #3 Doubles Team Up Two Breaks

The Bronco #3 doubles team of LaLone and Oshiro is now up two breaks, 7-4 over Konigsfeldt and Smiley of Nevada and is serving for the match.

Boise State's #2 team of Basil and Vo is also up two breaks  with a 7-4 lead.  Their Nevada counterparts beat them 9-8 in the regular season finale less than a week ago.

The Pietzuch twins just surrendered a break and trail at #1 doubles, 5-4.

Boise State-Nevada Update

LaLone and Oshiro have scored the first break of the morning and the Bronco doubles team leads 3-2.

Basil and Vo have also gotten a break and they lead at #2 doubles 3-2.

Boise State-Nevada

The Pietzuch twins are underway at #1 doubles against Nevada in the 2013 MWC Quarterfinals and lead 2-1.  Morgan Basil and Sandy Vo of Boise State are down 2-1 at #2 doubles, but there have been no breaks in any of the three doubles matches thus far.

Current Standings in MWC Women's Golf Championships

Fresno State, Boise State and San Diego State, the first three finishers in yesterday's opening round, have yet to tee off.

#43 UNLV is still two under today for a total score of 22 over par.  Colorado State is two over (+30), Nevada is in sixth (+3, +31), then it's New Mexico (+9, +44) and Wyoming (+11, +66).  If UNLV continues to golf like this, and they're still under par after four holes, they're easily going to move into the lead.

Fresno State finished yesterday 18 strokes over par so that is a good benchmark to compare the teams already underway today.  Boise State was 22 over yesterday while #55 San Diego State was +24.

Underway in Colorado Springs

Boise State and Nevada have begun play in their quarterfinal matchup in the Mountain West Women's Tennis Championships.  Megan LaLone and Bobbi Oshiro of Boise State are behind Caroline Konigsfeldt and Sheila Smiley 2-1 at #3 doubles with no breaks thus far.

Bettles Named Mountain West Player of the Year

The Mountain West Conference named Andy Bettles of Boise State as the 2013 Men's Tennis Player of the Year yesterday.  Nathan Sereke joined Bettles on the All-Mountain West Singles Team and the duo was also named to the Doubles Team.

Bettles was 21-5 this spring while Sereke was 12-8.  The pair combined for a 15-8 record at #1 doubles for Boise State.

Bettles and Sereke will be counted on if the Broncos are to capture the team championship this weekend.

Manuela Pietzuch, Marlena Pietzuch and Sandy Vo Named All-Mountain West

Three Lady Broncos have been recognized by the Mountain West Conference as All-Conference performers, according to the league office.

Senior Marlena Pietzuch was named to both the All-MWC Women's Tennis singles and doubles teams, the third straight year Marlena has been honored in doubles and the second time in doubles with her twin sister Manuela.  Marlena has a record of 104-46 in her Bronco career.

Sandy Vo earned all-conference in singles, giving the junior her first post-season recognition.  Vo is 10-3 this spring at #2 singles.

Manuela Pietzuch transferred to Boise State as a junior and with sister Marlena, the Pietzuch twins are 23-18 the past two seasons.

Boise State meets Nevada this morning at 10 in the opening round of the MWC Tournament.

#43 UNLV Moves Two Strokes Back of Boise State

Favored UNLV has awakened this morning after finding itself in fourth place after the opening day of the MWC Women's Golf Championships.  Just two holes in today, the Rebel women are two under par and are now just two strokes behind second-place Boise State.  The Broncos are still waiting to tee off.

Boise State Women's Tennis Team Set to Take On Nevada

Boise State, seeded fifth in the Mountain West women's tennis championships, will meet the four seed Nevada Wolf Pack in Colorado Springs.  The action gets underway at 10 Mountain Time and, as you expect, Blue Through and Through will cover it better than anyone in Idaho.

Bronco Tennis Team Advances to Semifinal with 4-1 Win Over Air Force

Boise State's tennis team wasted no time in advancing to the semifinals of the Mountain West Tennis Tournament in Colorado.  The Broncos downed host Air Force 4-1 yesterday with the only loss being in the one place you wouldn't expect.

Garrett Patton and Scott Sears won at #2 doubles 9-8 and Toby Mitchell joined with Aidan Reid at #3 doubles to win 9-8, clinching the doubles point for coach Greg Patton's team.

Thomas Tenreiro won for the 16th straight time at #5 singles with a straight-set 6-3, 6-0 victory to put Boise State up 2-0.  Then, Andy Bettles, the #36-ranked player in the nation, lost in straight sets to #98 Lance Wilhelm of Air Force 6-3, 6-2.  Nathan Sereke put away Steven Young at #2 singles, 6-2, 7-5, and Garrett Patton topped Andrew Parks 7-5, 6-4 to give Boise State the team victory.  

The Broncos will take on UNLV Saturday at 2 p.m. in the semifinal.  The Broncos defeated the Rebels earlier in the year 5-2.

No. 46 Boise State 4, Air Force 1
Doubles
1. Wilhelm/Taylor (AF) def. Bettles/Sereke, 8-6
2. Patton/Sears (BSU) def. Grubbs/McCullers, 9-8
3. Mitchell/Reid (BSU) def. Jackson/Young, 9-8

Singles
1. No. 98 Lance Wilhelm (AF) def. No. 36  Andy Bettles (Boise State), 6-3, 6-2
2.  Nathan Sereke (Boise State) def. Steven Young, 6-2, 7-5
3.  Scott Sears (Boise State) vs. Grant Taylor, DNF
4. Filipp Pogostkin (Boise State) vs. Alex Grubbs, DNF
5.  Thomas Tenreiro (Boise State) def. Andy Jackson, 6-3, 6-0
6.  Garrett Patton (Boise State) def. Andrew Parks, 7-5, 6-4

Second Round of MWC Women's Golf Underway

Boise State did tremendous yesterday, considering they are ranked about #159 in the nation.  The Lady Broncos were ahead for much of the day before finishing the first 18 holes in second place behind Fresno State.  Realistically, you can't expect the team to play over their heads like this for the entire Championship, but we'll update you as to their progress today.  The teams are just getting going with inverted order of yesterday's finish.

Boise State Women in Second After First 18 Holes

Boise State is temporarily in second place at the Mountain West Women's Golf Championships.  The Broncos led early but are now four strokes back of Fresno State after the opening day.  Fresno is 18 over par while the Lady Broncos are at +22 with a team score of 310, #55 San Diego State is two strokes back while #43 UNLV sits at 26 over. 

Senior Hayley Young led her team with a 3-over-par 75, scoring birdies on two of the final four holes to tie for fourth individually.  Young trails Emily Roering of Colorado State by two strokes.

Freshmen Sammie Pless (77) and Samantha Martin (78) also finished in the Top 15 on opening day while senior Lori Harper and freshman McKenzie Ford each shot an 80 to tie for 19th individually.

The second round gets underway at 8:30 with Boise State teeing off at approximately 10 A.M.

Fresno State Ties Boise State Women's Team

They've played nine holes, and Fresno State has come from behind to tie Boise State at 9 over at the Mountain West Women's Golf Championships.  #43 UNLV is 12 over while #55 San Diego State is 15 over par.  

Lady Broncos Lead MWC Golf Championship Early

The first round is barely underway, but Boise State is off to a good start.  The Broncos are five over, trailed by UNLV at 7 over, while Fresno State and San Diego State are 10 over.

UNLV and San Diego State are the favorites.

ESPN Will TeleviseThree Friday Night Boise State Games

Boise State's Friday schedule just got a lot clearer.

ESPN will televise all three of Boise State's Friday football games this year.  The Broncos will host Air Force September 13 at 6 P.M.) while road games against Fresno State (September 20 at 7 P.M.) and BYU (October 25 at 6 P.M.) will also be shown on ESPN.

Kickoff times and broadcasts for the remainder of the Boise State schedule have yet to be finalized.

VanderMalle, Bates Set Boise State Records

The Boise State women's track team set three new school records at the Mt. SAC Relays in Sacramento, California.

Marisa VanderMalle was timed in 10:27.24 in the 3000-meter steeplechase.  She finished 13th, but set a school record, indicating how far the program has to go.  Robin Nixon set the school mark of 10:30.98 in 2003.

Bates was third in the 10,000 meters in a time of 33:49.64, beating her career best by nearly one minute.  Bates broke the mark of 34:16.14 set by Abby Peters in 2000.

The Bronco 4x100-meter relay team of Heather Pilcher, Taryn Campos, Mackenzie Flannigan and Steffanie Jordan set the new school mark iwith a time of 45.67.

Boise State Last in Mountain West Softball

The Boise State softball team sits in last place with a 2-8 record; the Lady Broncos are 18-23-1 overall.

San Diego State (6-2, 28-15)
Colorado State (6-2, 20-19)
Nevada (6-5, 27-19)
Fresno State (6-5, 25-20)
UNLV (4-5, 18-25)
New Mexico (3-8, 19-28)
Boise State (2-8, 18-23-1)

Rice Inks Another Bronco

For the second straight day, Boise State made news with the announcement of another commitment.

Nicholas (Nick) Duncan, a 6-8, 225-pound forward from Sydney, Australia has signed a letter of intent and will enroll this fall.  Duncan is from the Australian Institute of Sport, which also produced current Broncos Anthony Drmic and Igor Hadziomerovic.

"Nick is a big, strong, physical player with a great feel for the game," Rice said. "He reminds me a lot of Bishop Kelly's Cory Violette."

Duncan led NSW Metro to the gold medal at the 2011 U18 National Championship, averaging 17.6 points and 14.9 rebounds a game.  He led Australia to the silver medal at the 2012 U17 World Championship, leading the team in rebounding with 8 per game.  Included was a 13-rebound performance against the United States.

Trent Signs With Boise State

Dezmyn Trent has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Boise State, according to head coach Leon Rice.

Trent (6-4, 210) is from Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, and will enroll this fall.

Trent was a 3A All-State performer last season when he averaged a school record 26.9 points per game.  Included were eight games in which he scored over 30 and four with more than 40.  Trent was a three-year starter at Foss.

"We love guys that can score the basketball and Dezmyn is certainly adept at scoring in a variety of ways," Rice said. "He can play multiple spots on the floor, and he's got a toughness and competitiveness about him that will fit in with what we have been building at Boise State."

Trent was the Most Valuable Player of his conference last year, and shared league MVP honors after his junior season in which he averaged 18.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists.  Trent was all-league as a sophomore, averaging 16 points a game.

We have high hopes for you, Trent!

Broncos Down Fresno State

It has been an up-and-down season for the Boise State tennis team, but the #46 Broncos put away Fresno State 6-1 in Fresno.

The Broncos won the doubles points, then Thomas Tenreiro won when Fresno's Sam MacNeil retired in the first set.  Andy Bettles won 6-1, 6-2 and Filipp Pogostkin downed Nikolas Papic 6-4, 6-3.  Bettles has won 20 matches in each of his three seasons at Boise State.

The Broncos are now 16-9 overall and 4-1 in the Mountain West Conference with the win.  Boise State hosts Nevada this Friday at 1 p.m. to finish the regular season.

No. 46 Boise State 6, Fresno State 1
 Singles
1. No. 33 Andy Bettles (Boise State)def. Felipe Fritz (FS) 6-1, 6-2
2.  Nathan Sereke (Boise State) def. Reid deLaubenfels (FS) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
3.  Scott Sears (Boise State) def. Sai Kartik Nakireddi (FS) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
4.  Filipp Pogostkin (Boise State) def. Nikolas Papic (FS) 6-4, 6-3
5.  Thomas Tenreiro (Boise State) def. Sam MacNeil (FS) 3-0, retired
6. Jeremy Quiroz (FS) def. Garrett Patton (Boise State) (BSU) 7-5, 6-4

 Doubles
1. Andrew Bettles/Nathan Sereke (Boise State) def. Reid deLaubenfels/Sam MacNeil (FS) 9-7
2. Garrett Patton/Scott Sears (Boise State) def. Sai Kartik Nakireddi/Jeremy Quiroz (FS) 8-1
3. Felipe Fritz/Nikolas Papic (FS) vs. Toby Mitchell/Filipp Pogostkin (Boise State) 7-7, unfinished
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1); Singles (5,1,4,6,2,3)

Boise State Ranked #24 in CBS Preseason Basketball Rankings

As they say, definitely too early, but it's amazing to me because Boise State has never been mentioned in any kind of poll for basketball.  Coach Rice definitely has the program on the upswing:

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/22036310

Boise State Football Schedule Released

2013-2014 SCHEDULE Overall 0-0 Conf. 0-0 Home 0-0 Away 0-0

Date	Opponent / Event	Location	Time / Result
08/31/13	at Washington	Seattle, Wash.	TBA
09/07/13	vs. Tennessee-Martin	Boise, Idaho	TBA
09/13/13	vs. Air Force	Boise, Idaho	TBA
09/20/13	at Fresno State	Fresno, Calif.	TBA
09/28/13	vs. Southern Miss	Boise, Idaho	TBA
10/12/13	at Utah State *	Logan, Utah	TBA
10/19/13	vs. Nevada *	Boise, Idaho	TBA
10/25/13	at BYU	Provo, Utah	6:00 p.m. MT
11/02/13	at Colorado State *	Fort Collins, Colo.	TBA
11/16/13	vs. Wyoming	Boise, Idaho	TBA
11/23/13	at San Diego State *	San Diego, Calif.	TBA
11/30/13	vs. New Mexico	Boise, Idaho	TB