Box Score

HENDERSON, Nev. -

Utah State 2, Weber State 1

Grand Canyon 8, Utah State 0 (5)

In the first day of tournament action at the UNLV hosted DeMarini Desert Classic Friday, Utah State softball split its games, topping Weber State, 2-1, before falling to Grand Canyon, 8-0, in five innings.

Junior April Brown made the first start in the circle for the Aggies against Weber State, earning her second win of the season. She struck out six Wildcat batters in her 6.1 innings pitched, while senior Noelle Johnson entered the game to pitch the final two outs and earn the save. Johnson started against Grand Canyon, pitching 1.1 innings before being relieved by freshman Katie Schroeder. Schroeder pitched the next 2.2 innings, while junior Alleyah Armendariz entered for the final inning. Together, the three struck out one batter, while allowing 11 hits.

As the designated home team, the Aggies opened the game with a sole hit from senior outfielder Sarah Chow, but ended the inning without a score. The Wildcats struck first in the bottom of the first as a double to right center brought an earlier runner across the plate.

Utah State answered the early Weber State run in the top of the second with a home run from senior first baseman Libby Pederson, the third of her career. The Aggies got three other runners on base with a fielder's choice and a pair of walks, but the attempt ended on a popup to second.

Through the bottom of the second, as well as the entire third inning, all batters were retired in order. Junior shortstop Sarina Jaramillo got a USU player back on base with a walk in the top of the fourth, advancing to second before the third out. The Aggie defense then got another 1-2-3 inning against the Wildcats to maintain the tied score.

The Aggies scored their winning run in the top of the fifth. Junior outfielder Amanda Sheets was first on base with a walk, while Johnson singled to center field. A bunt single from Chow then loaded the bases. Junior outfielder Victoria Saucedo reached first on a fielder's choice as Sheets was putout at the plate. Armendariz then grounded out to first base, but allowed enough time for Johnson to get to home for the go-ahead run.

The remainder of the fifth and sixth innings were uneventful on both sides and the Aggie offense was retired in order in the top of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, the Wildcats got their first hits since the scoring double. With the bases loaded, the Utah State defense made the final plays to end the game and start the weekend with a win.

The second game of the afternoon didn't start out as well, as Grand Canyon opened the top half of the first, scoring a quick five runs. The first batter of the game singled to center field, while the next added a bunt single. The bases filled up on a fielder's choice and a USU error, the ensuing home run brought four runs across. The Antelopes then added another home run in the next at bat, before the next batters were putout. Chow was again the first USU player to get on base, reaching on a fielder's choice before the inning ended. The Aggies got two other runners on base in the bottom of the second on a GCU error and another fielder's choice, but both Jaramillo and Armendariz were left on at the end of the inning.

Grand Canyon added its final set of runs in the top of the fourth, opening the inning with a double to left center. A single pushed the first runner across the plate, followed later by a two-run home run. The fifth inning went quick on both sides with one batter getting on base after being hit by a pitch. As Utah State was down by eight runs, the game ended after five innings.

Utah State continues action from the DeMarini Desert Classic tomorrow with a pair of games. The Aggies take on in-state rival Southern Utah at 10 a.m. (MT), followed by a 12:15 p.m. matchup against UTEP.

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