Adversity is gladly welcomed by head coach Erin Thorpe and the Boise State softball program—it’s the recipe they use to improve.

The Broncos had plenty of opportunities to display this over the past weekend at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, and will continue to throw themselves into competitive tournaments over the next month.

“It’s always great to face those ranked opponents early on,†Thorpe said. “Every game has to be a learning experience in

some way.â€

At the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, Boise State faced ranked opponents Nebraska and Oklahoma, the defending national champions, while also competing in tough games against Oregon State and Cal State-Fullerton.

The Broncos would only walk away with wins against Oregon State, a 10-2 win in the opening round of the tournament and a 4-3 win over the University of the Pacific.

Thorpe was impressed with Boise State’s efforts in defeat against Oklahoma and Nebraska, stating several minor mistakes led to a loss in those games.

“We had two bad pitches in the (Oklahoma) game and they were two grand slams,†Thorpe said. “What are you going to do about that.â€

The Broncos would blow a 3-0 lead against Cal StateFullerton after giving up a six runs fueled by six errors.

“We disappointed ourselves in the Cal State Fullerton game,†Thorpe said. “We were running away with that game and then we had one bad inning of errors that we couldn’t bounce back it. It mentally affected us a

little bit.â€

Boise State will travel to the Saint Mary’s of California to play against Sacramento State and the Gaels in the Saint Mary’s Tournaments March 1 before returning to Boise for a three- week home stand which includes two tournaments.

Thorpe is looking forward to the opportunity to enjoy home and the nice weather in Boise the Broncos have been looking for since

winter.

Tuesday was the first day Boise State was able to practice at Dona Larsen Park this spring due to weather.

“We have a stretch of teams where we can really get out there and really hone in on what our strengths are going to be this year,†Thorpe said.

The Broncos will open up MWC play against conference power Fresno State March 21 at Dona Larsen Park.

“We’re still trying to find that spot where our pitching and our offense work together in a game,†Thorpe said. “It’s coming and we’re just anxiously waiting our time to come.â€