Box Score

LOGAN, Utah -

Utah Valley 8, Utah State 6

Fighting the springtime weather, Utah State softball was able to play one game of the scheduled doubleheader against Utah Valley Tuesday, falling to the Wolverines, 8-6.

Utah State threw a twist into the starting lineup Tuesday, resting some players through the non-conference action. Junior first baseman Libby Pederson and senior outfielder Sarah Vasquez both had big performances offensively, as they each went 3-for-4 at the plate. Pederson hit a double, while Vasquez added a two-run home run, as well as a one-run single. Freshman pitcher Paige Mills made the second start of her career, pitching three innings before being relieved by sophomore Alleyah Armendariz and later, freshman Jordyn McCracken. Together, the Aggie pitching staff allowed 12 hits with the eight runs, walking three batters and striking out two.

It took time for both teams to get started, as each team drew just one walk apiece in the first inning. The Wolverines were then first on the board in the second, adding two runs. The first came on a throwing error at the plate. Erin Romero then added a second run, scoring on a single from Kori Barrios before the inning ended on a double play.

Utah State was quick to answer the Wolverine's scoring, adding four runs of its own in the bottom of the inning. Vasquez's single was the first to push a run across, while Pederson was then able to score on a walk from junior catcher Kirstyn Namba. Senior shortstop Jolene Koons then hit a two-run single, scoring senior outfielder Amburlyn Orozco and Vasquez. The Aggies loaded the bases again, but the inning ended on a strikeout from freshman third baseman Brina Buttacavoli.

The Wolverines tried to catch the Aggies in the top of the third, adding one more run on a double from Brittney Vansway. The fourth inning was a quiet on as UVU was retired in order after a USU pitching change. The Aggies got three runners on base throughout the bottom half of the inning, but were unable to capitalize on it.

Utah Valley tied the score in the top of the fifth, as four-straight batters got on base. Tiani Hensley was the one to cross the plate, scoring on a fielder's choice. Utah State responded though, adding two more runs in the bottom of the inning with a two-run homer to center field. The sixth inning was another quick one with just one hit between the two teams.

The teams headed into the seventh inning where Utah State had a 6-4 advantage. However, the Wolverines added another four runs, taking the lead for the final time with back-to-back home runs. In as a pinch hitter, Dynasty Lauvai hit a three-run homer over the center field fence, while Hailey Kofler followed with a home run of her own to left field. The Aggies managed two hits in the bottom of the seventh, but were not able to answer the Wolverine surge, ending the game.

The teams started the second game of the planned doubleheader, making it through three innings before the game was called due to weather.

The Aggies return to conference action this weekend in a three-game road series at San José State. Games are set for 1 p.m. (MT) each day on Friday, April 17, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.

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.