Box Score

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -

Utah State 7, UNLV 3

Opening its second road conference series of the season, Utah State softball topped UNLV, 7-3, Friday in the first of three games this weekend.

Senior pitcher Noelle Johnson threw her second-straight complete game Friday night, improving to 5-7 on the year. In the game, Johnson allowed 10 hits, walking just one batter. The Aggies picked up nine hits on the night, with four batters adding two apiece.

"Tonight was another good team win. It was ugly at times and we have some things to clean up tomorrow, but we'll take the W," said Utah State head coach Steve Johnson. "Noelle did a great job keeping the ball in the park and limiting free passes. We made some good plays behind her, but we have to quit giving other teams extra at-bats."

With the win, Utah State improves to 14-13 on the season with a 2-2 record in Mountain West play. The Rebels fall to 18-18 overall and 2-5 in league action.

Utah State didn't waste any time Friday night, scoring early in the first inning. In the lead-off spot, senior designated player Kirstyn Namba opened the game with a walk, advancing on a pair of sacrificial hits from senior outfielder Sarah Chow and Johnson. A single from junior outfielder Alleyah Armendariz moved Namba home to put the Aggies on the board. Senior first baseman Libby Pederson followed her with a single of her own, but the top of the inning came to an end when she was called out on a fielder's choice. The Rebels evened the score in the bottom of the inning, as lead-off hitter Garie Blando stole third and then advanced to home on a throwing error from Johnson.

The quick pace continued for the Aggies as junior third baseman Victoria Saucedo took her first pitch of the second inning, turning it into her sixth home run of the season. The lead didn't last long though, as UNLV again tied the score in the bottom of the inning, as a single from Blando brought a runner home from third.

Utah State extended its scoring streak in the third inning, again at the hands of Saucedo. With a double to right center, Saucedo tallied her second and third RBIs of the game, bringing Armendariz and Pederson across the plate. A solid defensive performance by the Aggies kept the Rebels from scoring in the bottom of the inning.

The Aggies' offensive success continued in the fourth. Sophomore outfielder Jazmin Clarke opened the inning with a walk, later stealing second for her second steal of the game. Johnson drilled a ball down the left side that stayed just inside the foul line and pushed Clarke home. Armendariz added a single, while Pederson hit her first-career triple to score the two runners and give USU a 7-2 lead. The Aggies then held UNLV scoreless in the bottom of the inning, retiring the Rebel batters in order.

As the Rebels went to their third pitcher of the night, USU had its first scoreless inning in the top of the fifth, when the Aggies were retired in order. UNLV then scored its first run since the second inning with an RBI single. After scoring in each of the first four innings, Utah State was done on the offensive side of the game. The Aggies got one last walk on the night, but the remaining batters were all taken down by the UNLV defense. The Rebels tried to take advantage of their last opportunity at the plate in the bottom of the seventh, picking up two hits. Those batters were both left on base though, ending the game and giving USU the series-opening victory.

"Offensively, we jumped out quick and kept putting pressure on them," Steve Johnson said. "That what we've got to keep doing all weekend to take this series."

The Aggies continue action against the Rebels on Saturday, April 2 in a 2 p.m. game. The series will then conclude at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 3.

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.