Box Score | Photo Gallery

BOISE, Idaho -

Utah State 6, Saint Mary's 5

Utah State 4, Weber State 3

Utah State softball continued its strong streak in the second day of competition at the Boise State hosted Springhill Suites Invitational Saturday with a pair of wins, topping Saint Mary's, 6-5, and Weber State, 4-3.

Several Aggies had strong performances on the day. Junior outfielder Sarah Chow hit .667 overall, with four hits in six at bats. Sophomore second baseman Victoria Saucedo, senior outfielder Hailey Froton, senior shortstop Jolene Koons and sophomore first baseman Paxton Provost each had two runs between the games, while Provost, Froton, sophomore catcher Sydney Hart and senior third baseman Nicole Arata all had two RBI. Provost was also tops defensively, recording 12 putouts at first.

With the wins, the Aggies improve to 5-12 on the season with a perfect 3-0 record on the weekend. USU is now on a four-game winning streak, continuing from the Amy S. Harrison Classic.

"Our last seven games have all been close and we're finally closing the deal. The pitchers have done a much better job of hitting their spots and when they do that, they can all be very good," said USU head coach Steve Johnson. "Offensively, we've been putting the ball in play much better and making things happen. We've been getting production throughout the lineup which takes the pressure off everyone."

The day opened in an early matchup against Saint Mary's, where the Gaels were first on the board with an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning. It wasn't until the fourth inning that the Aggies answered, when sophomore second baseman Victoria Saucedo crossed the plate on a Froton double.

The Gaels took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth, on an empty home run. After a quiet fifth inning, both teams exploded for three runs each in the sixth. Provost was first to run home, advancing when Arata flied out. Next, Hart hit her first home run of the season, also hitting Saucedo home. A Saint Mary's homer added what would be the final three runs of the day for the Gaels.

The Aggies then found the lead in the seventh inning. Sophomore pitcher Alleyah Armendariz singled up the middle, advancing to second on the throw and moving Froton to third and Koons home. A muffed throw at shortstop allowed Froton to cross the plate for the final run of the game. The Gaels went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning, securing the win for the Aggies.

Armendariz pitched the majority of the game against Saint Mary's, earning her first win of the season on the mound. She matched her career-best with four strikeouts, while walking two batters and allowing five hits. She was relieved by junior Noelle Johnson for the final inning.

After a quick break, the Aggies were back in action against Weber State for the second game of the day. The opponent was first on the board again, as the Wildcats scored in the top of the first inning on a single to right center. Weber State added another pair of runs in the third, with a home run at the top of the order. Sara Hingsberger then stole home for the 3-0 lead.

Utah State responded with all four runs of the game in the bottom of the third. Froton doubled to right center, bringing Koons and Chow across the plate. Provost then hit her first homer of the season, batting Froton home and taking the lead. The remaining innings of the game were quiet for both teams, giving the Aggies the win.

Johnson pitched the entirety of Saturday's second game, matching her season-high of six strikeouts. She walked one runner while allowing six hits, improving to 4-4 on the year in the circle.

"We need to continue to build on this momentum tomorrow and finish the weekend strong as we continue to prepare for conference play," Johnson said.

The Springhill Suites Invitational concludes on Sunday, with another pair of games for the Aggies. USU will play Montana at 10:45 a.m. before meeting Weber State at 1 p.m. The tournament portion of the season will then conclude at the San Diego Classic, Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15.

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.