Box Score

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -

Cal State Northridge 9, Utah State 2

Utah State softball concluded action at the DeMarini Desert Classic Sunday, falling to Cal State Northridge, 9-2.

Senior Noelle Johnson made the start in the circle for the Aggies Sunday, pitching 2.2 innings. She was later relieved by junior April Brown who pitched an additional 2.2 innings, while freshman Katie Schroeder finished the final 0.2 innings.

"As good as yesterday was, today was equally bad. We failed in all aspects of the game today from mental and physical errors, to leaving pitches over the plate when we were ahead, to terrible approaches at the plate," said Utah State head coach Steve Johnson. "What makes today frustrating is the way we played so well yesterday. We have to be able to come out each and every game and give the type of effort and drive that we did yesterday. When we can find that consistency, we can be very good and meet our goals."

The Aggies opened the game with a sole single from junior shortstop Sarina Jaramillo, but she was putout at second on a fielder's choice. The Matadors were then first on the board in the bottom of the inning, as Savannah Horvath scored on a wild pitch, following her double down the left field line.

Utah State evened the score in the top of the second, when senior first baseman Libby Pederson led off with a double to right center. Senior catcher Kirstyn Namba followed with a double of her own to the same spot, scoring Pederson. The Aggies then loaded the bases, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the top half of the inning. Cal State Northridge took the lead back in the bottom of the second, when a double to left field scored a runner.

The Aggie offense was retired in order in the third, while the Matadors added two more runs. A double to center pushed Horvath across the plate again, while Katie Hooper scored on a triple to left center. In the bottom of the fourth, Horvath homered to left field, scoring her third run of the day and extending the Matadors' lead.

Utah State scored what would be its final run of the game in the top of the fifth. Junior outfielder Amanda Sheets took a base after getting hit by a pitch, while Jaramillo doubled to left field. Jaramillo was again out on a fielder's choice, while Johnson was safe at first and Sheets crossed the plate.

CSUN continued to build its lead, adding four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Madison Fleming doubled to left field, pushing a run across the plate. Fleming then scored on a single to second base. A single combined with a fielding error in right field to score two additional unearned runs for the Matadors. The Aggies got three runners on base in the top of the seventh, but two strikeouts ended the game.

Utah State has a week off before returning to tournament action at the Highlander Classic, hosted by UC Riverside. The Aggies will play two games each against UC Riverside and Santa Clara on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6.

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.