SDSU Softball takes series in Boise after rough start
Credit: PJ Panebianco/ EVT Sports
San Diego State took the three-game series against the Broncos in Boise.
The Aztecs needed the series to keep their hopes alive and clinch a spot in the Mountain West Tournament they are hosting.
It did not start well for the Aztecs as they lost game one by the score of 9-0 in a run-rule victory in five innings. The Aztecs then won game two 10-8 in seven innings. Then the Aztecs exploded in game three, winning in a 10-2 run rule after six innings.
The Aztecs got massive contributions across the board in the series’ last two games.
None bigger than the double-play duo of Jazmin Williams and Quinn Waiki.
GOODBYE SOFTBALL!!! Jazmin Williams stays hot with a three-run
to right to double our lead!! #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/QMFppOoABv
— San Diego State Softball (@AztecSoftball) April 19, 2025
In the series’ first game, the Aztecs struggled to get on base, being shut down by Boise State pitcher Olivia Bauer. The Broncos went to town against Grace Uribe and then Ava Schaffel, leading to their 9-0 run-rule victory. Uribe went 2.1 innings, giving up nine hits and five earned runs. Uribe struggled to hit her spots in the first game, and the Broncos took advantage. She was then relieved by Schaffel, who had problems finding the zone. When she did, the Broncos capitalized, getting five more hits and four more runs along the way.
The second game is when the double play duo came up big for the Aztecs. Waiki hit two home runs in the game, while Williams hit one. The Aztecs found their groove offensively, getting 11 hits along with plating ten runs across home plate. The Broncos struggled in the first two innings against Cece Cellura, not putting runs on the board. Cellura was then pulled for Dee Dee Hernandez after the Aztecs went up eight after the top of the third inning. In the bottom half, Hernandez gave up four runs quickly and was later pulled for Cellura again. Cellura gave up three in the fifth, making it a one-run game. Waiki then hit her second two-run home run of the day in the sixth, and the Aztecs didn’t look back.
SEE. YOU. LATER. @QuinnWaiki16 launches a two-run
— San Diego State Softball (@AztecSoftball) April 19, 2025
San Diego State won the third game relatively easily, winning 10-2 in a six-inning run-rule victory.
The Aztecs got contributions from everyone, including Gabriella Terrones’ first collegiate home run, a grand slam, in the top half of the sixth inning. Williams homered for a second time in the series with a solo shot the opposite way. Uribe got the start again, but this time with a much different result. Uribe was cruising for the first five innings, only letting two Broncos on base. In the sixth, she did give up a two-run home run, but the Aztec offense had done the damage to help secure the run-rule victory.
The second career hit for @gabbyterrones11? A pinch-hit grand slam!! We now lead 9-0!! #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/0eXrj7XuuY
— San Diego State Softball (@AztecSoftball) April 19, 2025
Waiki was rewarded for her efforts this weekend with the Mountain West Freshman of the Week award. The young star from Hilo, Hawai’i, had an OBP of .444 with an OPS of 1.569 along with two home runs, four RBIS, and four runs to help secure the award. Waiki has shown her gold glove level defensive prowess, but this past weekend showed Aztec fans what they can look forward to for years to come.
The Aztecs will host the 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats this Friday and Saturday for a two-game set. The Aztecs hope to steal a game from the Wildcats, if not both, to help lock in an at-large spot in the NCAA Tournament. Friday, April 25, starts at 6 PM PT, with free SDSU trucker hats to the first 250 fans. Saturday, April 26, will be at noon PT for the Aztecs Pride Game.
Friday’s two-homer game helps @QuinnWaiki16 garner @MountainWest Freshman of the Week accolades! #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/v8JJ00YAli
— San Diego State Softball (@AztecSoftball) April 21, 2025
Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.