Box Score

RENO, Nev. -

Utah State 5, Nevada 0

Under the pristine pitching of junior Noelle Johnson, Utah State softball opened its three-game series at Nevada in a 5-0 win Friday.

Johnson pitched her second shutout and complete game in the last seven days, leading the Aggies to the win and improving to 9-8 on the year. She allowed five hits in the win, striking out four batters and walking two. Johnson joined senior outfielder Hailey Froton as the offensive leaders for USU as both went 2-for-3 at the plate. Defensively, sophomore first baseman led the team with six putouts.

With the win, Utah State improves to 10-20 overall with a 2-2 Mountain West record. Nevada falls to the same 10-20 season record, while opening its conference season at 0-1.

The Aggies attacked early, scoring in the top of the first inning. As the leadoff batter, junior outfielder Sarah Chow walked before she was able to cross the plate on a Froton double. The game progressed quickly, as the next 12 batters were retired in order.

The Wolf Pack was able to garner three hits in the bottom of the third, but wasn't able to capitalize on the effort. Both teams went 1-2-3 in the fourth, while Johnson had the sole hit of the fifth inning on either side.

Utah State added its second run of the game in the top of the sixth inning, where Froton was able to capitalize on the defensive mistakes of Nevada. After getting on base on a walk, she advanced to second on a wild pitch and third on a passed ball. A double from Provost created the perfect opportunity for Froton to cross the plate.

Nevada added one more hit in the bottom of the sixth, but the next three batters were out, ending the inning. The Aggies opened the final inning of the day with three-straight hits from sophomore second baseman Victoria Saucedo, Johnson and senior third baseman Nicole Arata. Arata's single pushed Saucedo across the plate, while Johnson scored on a Chow single. Froton then singled through the right side, advancing to second on the throw and scoring Arata. The Wolf Pack was unable to respond offensively in the bottom of the seventh, ending the game.

Action between the Aggies and Wolf Pack continues Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. (MT).

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.