LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The LMU Lions opened their 2026 season with a statement victory on Thursday night, shutting out the Boise State Broncos 3-0 at Smith Field in a performance defined by dominant pitching, crisp defense, and a game-changing fifth-inning rally. In front of a strong home showing of fans, LMU looked poised and energized from the opening pitch-ultimately handing Boise State a rare result. The Broncos had never been shut out in a season opener in school history until tonight, making LMU's win even more notable.

The driving force behind the historic shutout was Lindsay O'Dell, who delivered a masterpiece in the circle. The junior right-hander was electric across all seven innings, firing a complete-game two-hitter while setting a new career high with eight strikeouts. O'Dell commanded every at-bat, generating weak contact and keeping Boise's hitters guessing with precision and confidence. She retired the first seven batters she faced, didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning, and never allowed multiple baserunners in an inning without immediately shutting the door. Even in the seventh, when Boise applied mild pressure, O'Dell calmly induced a double play and then froze the final batter looking to record her eighth and final strikeout-cementing both the shutout and her best outing as a Lion.

LMU's offensive breakthrough came in the fifth after building steady momentum throughout the early innings. Sydney Poole opened the frame with an infield single, followed by Analiah Lummus ripping a single into center. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, setting the stage for LMU's first punch of the night.

That punch came from Taelor Walker, who delivered a clutch RBI double into right field to plate Poole and give the Lions a 1-0 lead while pushing Lummus to third. Moments later, Izzy Jamgotchian lined a single into center to bring home Lummus. On the play, an aggressive turn and an error in center field allowed Walker to score as well, stretching LMU's lead to 3-0 and electrifying the Lions' dugout. Every run in the inning was earned, sharp, and executed with precision, reflecting LMU's growing confidence at the plate.

The Lions finished with seven hits, two from Poole, and showed strong situational awareness with a sacrifice, three walks, and excellent baserunning highlighted by Meeya Johnson's stolen base. Defensively, LMU delivered a clean, error-free night and turned a key seventh-inning double play to halt Boise State's final push.

When the final out settled into the catcher's mitt, LMU walked off the field with a complete, disciplined victory that set the tone for the 2026 season. Behind O'Dell's record-setting performance and a decisive offensive surge, the Lions not only earned their first win-they made history by handing Boise State its first-ever season-opening shutout.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow, February 6 taking on UCR at 12:30 PM and Utah at 5:30 PM.