Box Score | Photo Gallery

LOGAN, Utah -

New Mexico 8, Utah State 7

Utah State softball continued its conference-opening series against New Mexico Saturday, falling to the Lobos, 8-7, despite a consistent game both offensively and defensively.

"We did a lot of good things and that's what we have to continue to build on." said USU head coach Steve Johnson. "When we answer back from big plays, we have to go out with the mentality of shutting them down and that's been a problem for us all year and I think that's where the game turned. Not only did we not have a great outing after we gave up the lead, but after we gave up the four runs, we came back flat for the bottom two."

With the loss, the Aggies fall to 9-18 on the season and 1-1 in Mountain West action. New Mexico improves to 17-13 and 1-1 in league with the win.

After the defensive dominance displayed in Friday's game, Saturday's action got hot early as New Mexico scored first with a home run from the second batter. The next two players each grounded out to shortstop, ending the Lobos' chances early. In the bottom of the inning, the Aggies were able to respond with a pair of runs to take the early lead. After junior outfielder Sarah Chow earned a walk, Koons opened the USU offense with a triple, scoring Chow. Sophomore first baseman Paxton Provost followed with a single, which allowed Koons to cross the plate.

The Aggie lead didn't last long, unfortunately, as the Lobo offense exploded in the top of the second. A double from Mia Hignojos brought one runner home, while a Lisa Rodrigues single brought Hignojos across the plate, putting the score back in New Mexico's favor. A single from Brandi Heimburg then scored Rodrigues, forcing USU to make a pitching change. With freshman Jordyn McCracken on the mound, the Aggies gave up one more run on another single to center.

The Lobos held the Aggies scoreless in the second, but Provost got Utah State back on the board after hitting a double, then advancing home on a wild pitch from Carrie Sheehan. That was the first of five-straight innings in which USU scored, but it wouldn't be enough to get the win.

In the fourth, senior outfielder Sarah Vasquez added another multi-base hit with a triple, scoring on a double from Chow. While the Aggies were just down one, the Lobos had another big at bat in the top of the fifth inning, adding three more runs with a three-run homer from Rodrigues.

Utah State added one more run in each of the sixth and seventh innings in powerhouse plays. Koons hit another double, later scoring on a single from senior outfielder Hailey Froton. In the seventh inning, sophomore second baseman Victoria Saucedo added a home run, pulling the score back within one. Senior third baseman Nicole Arata then doubled to right field, moving junior pitcher Noelle Johnson around the bases. She chanced the run to the plate, but was tagged out, missing the opportunity for the tying run. Vasquez then flied out to left field, ending the game.

The series against the Lobos will conclude Sunday, March 22 in a 12 p.m. matchup.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at facebook.com/USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at facebook.com/USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.