Feb. 10, 2006

Final Stats

TEMPE, Ariz. - Jessica Garnett and Jeanine Hernandez knocked in two runs each against Cal State Fullerton in the nightcap of the opening day at the Kajikawa Classic as Utah State's softball team spilt its two games here on Friday. USU dropped its first game 11-0 against seventh-ranked Stanford, but bounced back with a 5-2 win over CS Fullerton to bring its record to 1-2 on the season.

In the first game, freshman Lindsey Benson got her first career start as an Aggie, but Stanford spoiled the moment as they jumped out to an early two-run lead and never looked back. The Cardinal continued their onslaught at the plate as they knocked in four runs in the second and three in the third before Catalina Morris and Maddy Coon both hit home runs in the fifth inning to seal the victory for Stanford. The game was called after five innings due to the run rule.

Utah State remained cold at the plate as they failed to score a run for the second straight game. The Aggies had chances to score as they managed to put a runner on base in each of the five innings, but were unable to capitalize as they stranded seven runners.

Overall, Utah State was able to muster only three hits in the game.

Benson took the loss and gave up nine earned runs and 12 hits in just two and two-thirds innings. Junior transfer Lexy Perry, who saw her first action as an Aggie, gave up four hits and two runs in two and one-third innings. Stanford's Laura Severson scattered two hits and struck out one to record her first win of the season.

In the second game, Utah State and Cal State Fullerton were scoreless going into the fourth when USU's bats came alive. The Aggies rallied with back-to-back singles by Jamie Fife, Quela Leonhardt, and Amy Schaible, that was capped off by a double to left center by Garnett, which plated the first two Aggie runs of the season. Utah State continued to get key hits and left the inning with five runs on the board.

Utah State's Heather Straight didn't need anymore support as she pitched six strong innings of four-hit ball, striking out four batters along the way. Straight allowed only one earned run as she picked up her first win of the season. Benson came on in relief to earn the save.

The Aggies came into the game with only three hits in their two previous games, but managed to string together 10 hits in the contest.

The Aggies return to action tomorrow at the Kajikawa Classic against stiff competition as they face 15th-ranked Oregon State and 21st-ranked Nebraska. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday. The Aggies will conclude the tournament against host Arizona State on Sunday.