Bridges, Crump and Zell Named To All-WAC Softball Team

Three members of the Boise State softball team that narrowly missed out on winning the WAC regular season were named to the all-conference team, according to the league office.

Freshman slugger Devon Bridges and junior hurlers Allie Crump and Aubray Zell were named to the team.  Juniors Christina Capobianco and Tazz Weatherly also picked up recognition, being named to the league's second team.


Bridges paced the WAC in home runs (10), RBI's with 29 and slugging percentage (.980).  Crump hit .311 with three homers and 12 RBI's and had a 4-2 record with a 4.71 E.R.A. in conference action.  Zell was 9-2 for the Broncos with a 2.80 conference E.R.A.  


Capobianco hit .368 for Coach Erin Thorpe, with seven home runs and 21 RBI's in conference action while Weatherly hit .377 with 17 runs.


Boise State takes to the field against Louisiana Tech at 3 p.m. Mountain Time tomorrow.







All-WAC First TeamDevon Bridges, Boise StateTeresa Conrad, New Mexico State
Allie Crump, Boise StateJessica Iwata, Hawai'i
Tiare Jennings, New Mexico State
Kandis Jones, New Mexico State
Michelle Moses, Fresno State
Hoku Nohara, New Mexico State
Andrea Ortega, Fresno State
Kylie Randall, New Mexico State
Stephanie Ricketts, Hawai'i
Valerie Swedberg, New Mexico State
Aubray Zell, Boise State




Player of the Year- Jessica Iwata, Hawai'i
Pitcher of the Year: Stephanie Ricketts, Hawai'i
Freshman of the Year: Valerie Swedberg, New Mexico State

Coach of the Year: Kathy Rodolph, New Mexico State

WAC Track Championships: Idaho's Blaser Wins Decathlon

In a shocking upset, Idaho's Andrew Blaser gave a phenomenal performance in winning the decathlon and earns the title "WAC's Greatest Athlete" for the year.  Blaser upset favored David Deal of Fresno State and Jon Goble of Utah State.  Utah State gets two less points than expected, making the team race closer after one event.

1 Blaser, Andrew                       11.01    6.97m   10.72m    1.95m    50.75         14.27   32.15m    4.70m   46.80m  5:10.93
    Idaho                               w: 0.9   w: 1.1    35-02  6-04.75                 w: 2.5   105-06    15-05   153-06         
    JR Team Points: 10           7037    (858)    (807)    (529)    (758)    (780) 3732    (940)    (507)    (819)    (541)    (498)
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2 Noble, Philip                        11.16    6.41m   10.85m    1.80m    50.10         15.31   34.24m    4.80m   43.83m  4:25.04
    Utah State                          w: 0.9   w: 2.3 35-07.25  5-10.75                 w: 1.1   112-04    15-09   143-09         
    SR Team Points: 8            6960    (825)    (677)    (537)    (627)    (810) 3476    (812)    (548)    (849)    (498)    (777)
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3 Deal, David                          11.41    6.80m   11.14m    1.77m    50.87         15.67   35.41m    4.60m   51.93m  4:49.67
    Fresno State                        w: 0.9   w: 2.2 36-06.75  5-09.75                 w: 1.1   116-02    15-01   170-04         
    SR Team Points: 6            6839    (771)    (767)    (554)    (602)    (775) 3469    (770)    (572)    (790)    (617)    (621)
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4 Goble, Jon                           11.28    5.88m   11.52m    1.80m    52.26         15.35   37.79m    4.40m   50.29m  5:09.07
    Utah State                          w: 0.9   w: 2.1  37-09.5  5-10.75                 w: 2.5   124-00 14-05.25   165-00         
    SR Team Points: 4            6538    (799)    (561)    (577)    (627)    (713) 3277    (808)    (620)    (731)    (593)    (509)
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5 Bushnell, Matt                       10.89    6.73m     FOUL    1.86m    51.74         16.69   30.92m    4.60m   54.39m  5:30.48
    Fresno State                        w: 0.9   w: 2.8           6-01.25                 w: 2.5   101-05    15-01   178-05         
    SR Team Points: 2            6031    (885)    (750)      (0)    (679)    (736) 3050    (657)    (483)    (790)    (654)    (397)
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6 Johnson, John                        11.46    6.03m   10.66m    1.74m    54.02         16.77   24.32m    4.90m   44.28m  6:14.36
    Utah State                          w: 0.9   w: 0.3 34-11.75   5-08.5                 w: 1.1    79-09 16-00.75   145-03         
    SR Team Points: 1            5690    (761)    (593)    (525)    (577)    (639) 3095    (648)    (354)    (880)    (504)    (209)

WAC Softball Tournament: Louisiana Tech Downs Fresno State 2-0

Shockingly, Fresno State and Louisiana Tech were locked in a pitcher's dual in the battle of the Bulldogs in Fresno.  In Game Two of the tournament, Meghan Krieg allowed just two hits and Erin Kipp socked a two-run homer in the sixth inning to lead the upstart Bulldogs from Ruston into the semifinals.  


Louisiana Tech proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with.  They will take on #2 seed Boise State tomorrow at 3 p.m. Mountain Time, 2 p.m. Pacific.  

WAC Track Championships--Morton Places Third in Heptathlon

She was seeded fourth, so that's an extra point for Boise State.  The women were predicted to finish last, four points behind Hawai'i, so that's one point out of the way...

1 Hawkins, Chari            14.14    1.70m    9.95m    26.16         5.33m   38.09m  2:27.90
    Utah State               w: 1.0     5-07 32-07.75  w: +0.0       w: +0.0   125-00         
    FR Team Points: 10  5124  (959)    (855)    (526)    (783) 3123    (651)    (631)    (719)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  2 Jones, Jesseka            13.91    1.58m   11.70m    24.79         4.99m   35.67m  2:29.65
    Louisiana Tech           w: 0.8  5-02.25 38-04.75   w: 0.9       w: -0.1   117-00         
    JR Team Points: 8   5088  (991)    (712)    (641)    (906) 3250    (557)    (584)    (697)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  3 Morton, Alexi             14.63    1.70m   10.54m    25.92         5.72m   27.33m  2:33.08
    Boise State              w: 2.0     5-07    34-07  w: +0.0        w: 1.3    89-08         
    FR Team Points: 6   4961  (891)    (855)    (565)    (804) 3115    (765)    (426)    (655)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  4 Nichols, Sarah            15.38    1.55m   12.14m    25.93         5.05m   39.06m  2:25.72
    Nevada                   w: 0.8     5-01    39-10   w: 0.9        w: 1.0   128-02         
    JR Team Points: 5   4912  (792)    (678)    (670)    (803) 2943    (573)    (649)    (747)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  5 Pate, April               14.11    1.58m   12.72m    24.93         4.95m   28.64m  2:35.61
    Nevada                   w: 2.0  5-02.25 41-08.75  w: +0.0        w: 1.1    93-11         
    JR Team Points: 4   4898  (963)    (712)    (709)    (893) 3277    (546)    (451)    (624)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  6 Jackson, Taylor           14.57    1.55m    9.36m    25.44         5.32m   33.07m  2:25.99
    Fresno State             w: 2.0     5-01  30-08.5  w: +0.0        w: 1.6   108-06         
    FR Team Points: 3   4839  (899)    (678)    (488)    (847) 2912    (648)    (535)    (744)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  7 Meade, Zoe                15.80    1.67m   11.03m    25.11         5.40m   23.59m  2:23.43
    New Mexico St.           w: 0.8  5-05.75 36-02.25  w: +0.0        w: 0.8    77-05         
    FR Team Points: 2   4836  (739)    (818)    (597)    (877) 3031    (671)    (356)    (778)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  8 Balentine, Samantha       15.19    1.76m   10.50m    27.41         5.17m   29.84m  2:34.26
    Hawaii                   w: 0.8  5-09.25  34-05.5   w: 0.9        w: 1.0    97-11         
    SO Team Points: 1   4705  (817)    (928)    (562)    (678) 2985    (606)    (474)    (640)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  9 Morrison, Kaleigh         15.67    1.67m    9.77m    27.91         5.37m   35.84m  2:41.91
    Hawaii                   w: 1.0  5-05.75 32-00.75   w: 0.9        w: 0.9   117-07         
    FR                  4527  (755)    (818)    (514)    (638) 2725    (663)    (588)    (551)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 10 Anderson, Alexa           15.88    1.46m   10.80m    27.01         5.25m   32.70m  2:34.64
    Nevada                   w: 1.0   4-09.5 35-05.25   w: 0.9        w: 0.9   107-03         
    JR                  4391  (729)    (577)    (582)    (711) 2599    (628)    (528)    (636)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 11 Schiess, Jennifer         15.71    1.64m    9.93m    28.37         4.64m   33.97m  2:40.28
    Utah State               w: 2.0   5-04.5    32-07  w: +0.0        w: 2.4   111-05         
    JR                  4246  (750)    (783)    (525)    (602) 2660    (464)    (552)    (570)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 12 Una'Dia, Sarah            15.54    1.55m    7.85m    27.78         4.80m   22.70m  2:35.68
    Fresno State             w: 1.0     5-01 25-09.25   w: 0.9        w: 2.4    74-06         
    FR                  3956  (772)    (678)    (390)    (648) 2488    (506)    (339)    (623)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Morton 6th in 800

It looks like Morton will finish third.  I will check for sure.

Finals                                                                 
  1 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.         2:23.43     778
  2 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                 2:25.72     747
  3 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State           2:25.99     744
  4 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State             2:27.90     719
  5 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech         2:29.65     697
  6 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State            2:33.08     655
  7 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                 2:34.26     640
  8 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                 2:34.64     636
  9 Pate, April               JR Nevada                 2:35.61     624
 10 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State           2:35.68     623
 11 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State             2:40.28     570
 12 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                 2:41.91     551

Morton 10th in Javelin

Morton did lead the competition but stumbled in this event.

Finals                                                                           
  1 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                  39.06m     128-02    649
      34.31m  36.70m  39.06m                                                     
  2 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State              38.09m     125-00    631
      31.13m  38.09m  30.27m                                                     
  3 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                  35.84m     117-07    588
      35.84m  FOUL  FOUL                                                         
  4 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech          35.67m     117-00    584
      34.77m  35.67m  35.20m                                                     
  5 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State              33.97m     111-05    552
      33.53m  33.97m  29.92m                                                     
  6 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State            33.07m     108-06    535
      32.85m  31.19m  33.07m                                                     
  7 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                  32.70m     107-03    528
      26.67m  32.70m  26.24m                                                     
  8 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                  29.84m      97-11    474
      29.84m  FOUL  27.67m                                                       
  9 Pate, April               JR Nevada                  28.64m      93-11    451
      27.89m  25.55m  28.64m                                                     
 10 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State             27.33m      89-08    426
      FOUL  FOUL  27.33m                                                         
 11 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.          23.59m      77-05    356
      22.18m  22.17m  23.59m                                                     
 12 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State            22.70m      74-06    339
      19.39m  22.70m  FOUL   

1.  Chari Hawkins, Utah State (4,405)
2.  Jesseka Jones,Louisiana Tech (4,391)
3.  Alexi Morton, Boise State (4,306)
4.  April Pate, Nevada (4,274)
5.  Sarah Nichols, Nevada (4,165)
6.  Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (4,095)
7.  Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (4,058)
8.  Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (4,065)
9.  Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (3,976)
10.  Alexa Anderson, Nevada (3,755)
11.  Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (3,676)
12.  Sarah Una'dia (3,333)

Think Positive Thoughts for the Boise State Softball Team!

The way I have it projected, Boise State should finish third in the WAC Softball Tournament.  I would love for the team to prove me wrong.  And don't be mistaken; I have been saying all season long that the Broncos had an excellent chance to win the championship, either in the regular season or the tournament.  They couldn't quite get over the hump in Las Cruces, but don't count them out, especially since the tournament is a one-game playoff in each round.

I know they would love to have another shot at New Mexico State but I have them losing to Fresno State and not reaching the championship game.  Again, it could go either way so keep your best thoughts directed towards the Boise State softball team.

WAC Heptathlon: Boise State's Alexi Morton Wins Long Jump

Boise State freshman Alexi Morton has won the long jump at the WAC Track Championships in the Heptathlon, and by a wide margin.  Once again, this blog was first in the Boise Valley to tell you this news--6:28 p.m. Wednesay night:

Finals                                                                               
  1 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State              5.72m   1.3  18-09.25    765
     5.71m(1.5) 5.62m(2.4) 5.72m(1.3)                                                
  2 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.           5.40m   0.8  17-08.75    671
     5.20m(0.7) 5.38m(1.7) 5.40m(0.8)                                                
  3 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                   5.37m   0.9  17-07.50    663
     5.20m(1.4) 5.37m(0.9) 5.18m(1.1)                                                
  4 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State               5.33m  +0.0  17-06.00    651
     5.12m(2.2) 5.26m(+0.0) 5.33m(+0.0)                                              
  5 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State             5.32m   1.6  17-05.50    648
     5.15m(+0.0) 5.32m(1.6) 5.25m(0.3)                                               
  6 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                   5.25m   0.9  17-02.75    628
     FOUL      5.25m(0.9) 5.19m(0.9)                                                 
  7 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                   5.17m   1.0  16-11.50    606
     4.92m(0.9) 5.17m(1.0) 4.87m(0.2)                                                
  8 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                   5.05m   1.0  16-07.00    573
     FOUL      5.05m(1.0) FOUL                                                       
  9 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech           4.99m  -0.1  16-04.50    557
     4.62m(1.4) 4.99m(-0.1) 4.73m(1.3)                                               
10 Pate, April               JR Nevada                   4.95m   1.1  16-03.00    546
     FOUL      4.95m(1.1) FOUL                                                       
11 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State             4.80m   2.4  15-09.00    506
     4.80m(2.4) FOUL      FOUL                                                       
12 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State               4.64m   2.4  15-02.75    464
     4.44m(0.3) 4.64m(2.4) FOUL     


Morton moves temporarily into first place with two events left, although this event and the high jump are her best.

1.  Alexi Morton, Boise State (3,880)
2.  April Pate, Nevada (3,823)
3.  Jesseka Jones,Louisiana Tech (3,807)
4.  Chari Hawkins, Utah State (3,774)
5.  Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (3,702)
6.  Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (3,591)
7.  Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (3,560)
8.  Sarah Nichols, Nevada (3,516)
9.  Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (3,388)
10.  Alexa Anderson, Nevada (3,227)
11.  Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (3,124)
12.  Sarah Una'dia (2,994)

WAC Track Championships--Decathlon

Standings after 7 events now:

1.  Andrew Blaser, Idaho (5,179)
2.  Philip Noble, Utah State (4,836)
3.  David Deal, Fresno State (4,811)
4.  Jon Goble, Utah State (4,705)
5.  Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (4,190)
6.  John Johnson, Utah State (4,097)

WAC Softball Tournament: Hawai'i beats Utah State 6-1

Game One is underway in Fresno between #4 Hawai'i and #5 Utah State.  Hawai'i leads it 6-1 in the top of the sixth.  The winner gets #1 seed New Mexico State tomorrow at 12:30 Mountain Time, 11:30 Pacific.

Makani Duhaylonsod had two hits to pace the Hawai'i hitting attack and catcher Shara Kliebenstein blasted a two-run homer in the fourth for insurance.  Ace pitcher Stephanie Ricketts allowed eight hits, including three to load the bases in the seventh, for the victory.

WAC Track Championships--Morton Takes 5th in 200-Meter Dash

Alexi Morton is seeded fourth in this event.  Hawkins, Nichols and Pate are seeded ahead of her.  

Finals                                                                      
  1 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech           24.79   0.9    906
  2 Pate, April               JR Nevada                   24.93  +0.0    893
  3 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.           25.11  +0.0    877
  4 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State             25.44  +0.0    847
  5 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State              25.92  +0.0    804
  6 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                   25.93   0.9    803
  7 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State               26.16  +0.0    783
  8 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                   27.01   0.9    711
  9 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                   27.41   0.9    678
 10 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State             27.78   0.9    648
 11 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                   27.91   0.9    638
 12 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State               28.37  +0.0    602

Here are the standings after the first day of competition:

1.  April Pate, Nevada (3,277)
2.  Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (3,250)
3.  Chari Hawkins, Utah State (3,123 points)
4.  Alexi Morton, Boise State (3,115 points)
5.  Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (3,031)
6.  Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (2,985)
7.  Sarah Nichols, Nevada (2,943)
8.  Taylor Jackson, Nevada (2,912)
9.  Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (2,725)
10. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (2,660)
11.  Alexa Anderson, Nevada (2,599)
12.  Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (2,488)

Morton 6th in Shot Put

=================================================================================
Finals                                                                           
  1 Pate, April               JR Nevada                  12.72m   41-08.75    709
      12.20m  12.72m  12.30m                                                     
  2 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                  12.14m   39-10.00    670
      11.77m  11.50m  12.14m                                                     
  3 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech          11.70m   38-04.75    641
      11.11m  11.70m  11.59m                                                     
  4 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.          11.03m   36-02.25    597
      11.03m  11.01m  FOUL                                                       
  5 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                  10.80m   35-05.25    582
      10.22m  10.16m  10.80m                                                     
  6 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State             10.54m   34-07.00    565
      10.47m  10.54m  10.23m                                                     
  7 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                  10.50m   34-05.50    562
      10.12m  10.50m  FOUL                                                       
  8 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State               9.95m   32-07.75    526
      9.39m  9.95m  9.21m                                                        
  9 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State               9.93m   32-07.00    525
      9.93m  9.90m  9.64m                                                        
 10 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                   9.77m   32-00.75    514
      9.27m  9.54m  9.77m                                                        
 11 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State             9.36m   30-08.50    488
      9.36m  8.04m  9.04m                                                        
 12 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State             7.85m   25-09.25    390

One more event today, the 200 meter dash.  Here are the standings after three events:

1.  April Pate, Nevada (2,384)
2.  Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (2,344)
3.  Chari Hawkins, Utah State (2,340 points)
4.  Alexi Morton, Boise State (2,311 points)
5.  Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (2,307)
6.  Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (2,154)
7.  Sarah Nichols, Nevada (2,140)
8.  Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (2,087)
9.  Taylor Jackson, Nevada (2,065)
10. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (2,058)
11.  Alexa Anderson, Nevada (1,888)
12.  Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (1,840)

WAC Track Championships--Men's Decathlon Standings After 5 Events

This would be a big plus for Boise State if Blaser can hold off Deal and Noble (the favorites).  That would be two less points for Fresno State and Utah State, respectively.


1.  Andrew Blaser, Idaho (3,732 points)
2.  Philip Noble, Utah State (3,476 points)
3.  David Deal, Fresno State (3,469)
4.  Jon Goble, Utah State (3,277)
5.  John Johnson, Utah State (3,095 points)
6.  Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (3,050)

Morton Second in High Jump

This is one of Alexi's best events.  Good finish for her--

Finals                                                                          
  1 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                   1.76m    5-09.25    928
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73 1.76 1.79 
        P    P    P    P    P    P    P    P    O    P    O    O   XO   XO  XXX 
  2 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State              1.70m    5-07.00    855
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73           
        P    P    P    P    P    O    O    O    O  XXO  XXO    O  XXX           
  2 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State               1.70m    5-07.00    855
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73           
        P    P    P    P    P    P    P    O    O    O    O    O  XXX           
  4 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.           1.67m    5-05.75    818
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70                
        P    P    P    P    P    P    P    O    O    O    O  XXX                
  4 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                   1.67m    5-05.75    818
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70                
        P    P    P    P    O   XO    O    O    O    O   XO  XXX                
  6 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State               1.64m    5-04.50    783
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67                     
        P    P    P    P    P    O    O    O   XO   XO  XXX                     
  7 Pate, April               JR Nevada                   1.58m    5-02.25    712
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61                               
        P    P    P    O    O    O   XO    O  XXX                               
  7 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech           1.58m    5-02.25    712
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61                               
        P    P    P   XO    O    O   XO   XO  XXX                               
  9 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State             1.55m    5-01.00    678
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58                                    
        P    P    P    P    P    P  XXO  XXX                                    
  9 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                   1.55m    5-01.00    678
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58                                    
        P    P    P    P    O    O   XO  XXX                                    
  9 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State             1.55m    5-01.00    678
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58                                    
        P    O    P    O   XO   XO    O  XXX                                    
12 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                   1.46m    4-09.50    577
     1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49                                                   
        O    O    O  XXO  XXX     

After two events:
1.  Chari Hawkins, Utah State (1,814 points)
2.  Alexi Morton, Boise State (1,746 points)
3.  Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (1,745)
4.  Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (1,703)
5.  April Pate, Nevada (1,675)
6.  Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (1,577)
7.  Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (1,573)
8.  Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (1,557
9. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (1,533)
10.  Sarah Nichols, Nevada (1,470)
11.  Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (1,450)
12.  Alexa Anderson, Nevada (1,306)
                                              

Morton Finishes Fifth in 100-Meter Hurdles

The Heptathlon is underway at the WAC Track Championships in Honolulu.  Boise State's Alexi Morton finished fifth in 100-meter hurdles.  She ran it in 14.63.  Not to worry, this event is not her specialty.

Finals                                                                     
  1 Jones, Jesseka            JR Louisiana Tech           13.91   0.8    991
  2 Pate, April               JR Nevada                   14.11   2.0    963
  3 Hawkins, Chari            FR Utah State               14.14   1.0    959
  4 Jackson, Taylor           FR Fresno State             14.57   2.0    899
  5 Morton, Alexi             FR Boise State              14.63   2.0    891
  6 Balentine, Samantha       SO Hawaii                   15.19   0.8    817
  7 Nichols, Sarah            JR Nevada                   15.38   0.8    792
  8 Una'Dia, Sarah            FR Fresno State             15.54   1.0    772
  9 Morrison, Kaleigh         FR Hawaii                   15.67   1.0    755
10 Schiess, Jennifer         JR Utah State               15.71   2.0    750
11 Meade, Zoe                FR New Mexico St.           15.80   0.8    739
12 Anderson, Alexa           JR Nevada                   15.88   1.0    729

Slight Change to WAC Commissioner's Cup Projections

I have changed the baseball projections to reflect the new standings in the WAC.  The other projections for softball and track are unchanged, but you may want to take a look at the new Cup Projections by clicking here.

WAC Track Championships--Boise State Not Entering a Decathlete

Remember last week, I gave you the projections for the WAC Track Championships which start today in Honolulu.  I also mentioned that if Boise State had an entry in the men's decathlon, they had a shot at the men's title.

The Heat Sheets are out for the Championships and the Broncos do not have anyone in the decathlon.  Often, what can happen is if an athlete is entered in the decathlon (especially if he isn't used to competing in it), it will wear him out so that he is unable to compete at the same level in his regular events.  That likely is why Boise State is not entering anyone.  Kurt Felix, Boise State's multi-event star, is being redshirted this outdoor season so he can compete next year.  So the logic is that any points gained from the decathlon would probably be lost in the specialty events that the decathlete competes in.

                          Hardy hopes Boise State's training pays off

That said, it will now be extremely tough for Boise State to win the WAC title.  There are no other events in which there are "surprise" entries.  The ones competing for the Broncos will be the same ones that have done so all year.  Thus, the projection for third place still holds.  Boise State could easily finish first, but they'll need Utah State to slip in order to take the title.

Boise State's Softball Time Announced

Saturday, we were the first source to tell you that Boise State would be playing the winner of the Fresno State-Louisiana Tech game Thursday as well as announcing the other pairings in the WAC Softball Tournament.  We now know the time--it will be at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.


Here then are the times for those games we told you about Saturday.


Wednesday:
Game One:  5:30 p.m.--#4 Hawai'i vs. #5 Utah State
Game Two:  8 p.m.--#3 Fresno State vs. #6 Louisiana Tech





Thursday:
Game Three:  12:30 p.m.--#1 New Mexico State vs. Winner of Game One
Game Four:  3 p.m.--#2 Boise State vs. Winner of Game Two
Game Five:  5:30 p.m.--Loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three
Game Six:  8 p.m.--Lose of Game One vs. Loser of Game Four


Friday:
Game Seven:  3 p.m.--Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight:  5:30 p.m.--Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six
Game Nine:  8 p.m.--Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight


Saturday:
Game Ten:  3 p.m.--Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game Eleven (if necessary):  6 p.m.--Winner of Game Ten vs. Loser of Game 10 (if loss is first one of the tournament for the loser)

Up-To-the-Minute WAC Commissioner's Cup Standings (May 7)

New Mexico State has won the regular season in WAC softball.  Congrats to the Aggies on an incredible season!  Thus, we can now update our WAC Commissioner's Cup Standings.  Next week, the softball and men's and women's track championships will decide the post-season champions in those three sports and all that will remain after that is baseball.  In other words, we will know by at least next Sunday if Boise State has clinched the Cup or if Fresno State still has a chance.  Because Boise State was not able to win a game in Las Cruces, New Mexico State's and Fresno State's projected points are adjusted upward.  It does not affect Boise State's projected points--they are still projected to finish third.

The maximum points that Fresno State can score is 95.75.  That is right now the number that will clinch the Cup.)  The maximum that New Mexico State can score is 90.50.  If New Mexico State beats Fresno in either softball or baseball, it will drive down Fresno's maximum.  Thus, Boise State's magic number is now down to 9.25 points.


Here are the current standings following the conclusion of the regular season in softball:

1.  Boise State 86.50

2.  New Mexico State 73.50 

3.  Fresno State 72.25
4.  Utah State 66.25

5.  Idaho 56.50

6.  Nevada 54.25
7.  San Jose State 50.00

8.  Hawai'i 48.75

9.  Louisiana Tech  43.50 

Note:  Since San Jose State and Nevada finished 7th and 8th in softball, respectively, and will not play in the tournament, they are awarded the full points for their positions, 2 and 1 respectively.

Here are the Projections for the remaining sports:

Softball:  (May 11-14)
1.  Fresno State (7.25 points)--Fresno State has already been awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1.  Boise State (6.25 points)--Boise State was awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1.  New Mexico State (7.00)--New Mexico State was awarded 4 points in the regular season.
4.  Hawai'i (5)--Hawai'i was awarded 2.5 points in the regular season.
5.  Utah State (4)--Utah State was awarded 2 points in the regular season.
6.  San Jose State (2)--San Jose State has been awarded the full 2 points.
7.  Louisiana Tech (3)--Tech has been awarded 1.5 points in the regular season.
8.  Nevada (1)--Nevada has been awarded the full point.

Men's Track (May 10-13)
1.  Utah State (5 points)
2.  Fresno State (4)
3.  Boise State (3)
4.  Louisiana Tech (2)
5.  Idaho (1)

Women's Track (May 10-13)
1.  Nevada (8)
2.  Louisiana Tech (7 points)
3.  Utah State (6)
4.  Fresno State (5)
5.  New Mexico State (4)
6.  Idaho (3)
7.  Hawai'i (2)
8.  Boise State (1)

Baseball:  (May 25-29)
1.  Fresno State (6.5 points)
2.  Hawai'i (6.5 points)
3.  San Jose State (5)
4.  New Mexico State (4.0)
5.  Nevada (3)
6.  Louisiana Tech (2.5)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis.  As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results.  As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:

1.  Boise State 93.50  
     With tennis expected to provide the majority of the spring points for Boise State, the Broncos are nearing the finish line but about out of gas.  Softball is the only sport that will provide significant points.  Boise State is expected to pick up 7 more points the rest of the spring but they have some upside built in.  

2.  Fresno State 91.75
     The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State was forecast to score 45 points this spring and they are right on target.  Even after golf, there is another 19.5 points in reserve.  They are still projected to win the baseball and softball tournaments.  If they do well in women's track, the Cup is too close to call.  

Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State 

3.  New Mexico State 84.50
     The Aggies out dual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 11 more points in the four remaining sports.  The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their women's track team can finish high.  Still, the odds of NM State winning are not good.   

4.  Utah State 79.25
     USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf.  Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition.  Utah State is projected to score just 13 more points this spring.  They could possibly finish third if everything goes right.  Meanwhile, they are 3.25 points away from clinching at least fourth.

5.  Nevada 65.25
     Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup.  However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely.  They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball.  The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs.  They have passed Idaho, but that could be as high as they get this year.  Nevada is projected to score 11 more points in the spring.

6.  Idaho 60.50
     The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years.  Idaho should get about 4 more points this spring.  They will fight for positions 6-8.

7. Hawai'i 59.75
    Hawai'i has solid teams in both softball and baseball.  UH should score in the neighborhood of 11 more points this spring.  That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.


8.  Louisiana Tech 56.50
     Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 13 more points this spring.  They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.

9.  San Jose State 55.00
     The Spartans should also do well in baseball.  San Jose State is projected to score 5 more points this spring.

Lady Broncos Earn Bye in WAC Softball Tournament

Boise State will have a first-round bye and will take on the winner of the Fresno State-Louisiana Tech game in the WAC Softball Tournament in Fresno, California.  The Broncos will play that game Thursday--time to be announced.

Here is the schedule of games that we know so far (times to be announced):

Wednesday:
Game One:  #4 Hawai'i plays #5 Utah State
Game Two:  #3 Fresno State plays #6 Louisiana Tech 

Thursday:
Game Three:  #1 New Mexico State vs. winner of Game One
Game Four:  #2 Boise State vs. winner of Game Two
Game Five:  loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three (loser eliminated)
Game Six:  Loser of Game Four vs. Loser of Game One (loser eliminated)


Friday:
Game Seven:  Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight:  Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six (loser eliminated)
Game Nine:  Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight (loser eliminated)

Saturday:
Game 10:  Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game 11: (if necessary)--If Loser of Game 10 is first loss of tournament, the two teams play again for the championship