Box Score

LOGAN, Utah -

Nevada 4, Utah State 3

Utah State softball's 2016 campaign came to an end Saturday, as the Aggies fell to Nevada, 4-3.

Utah State ends the season with a 26-25 overall record, going 12-12 in Mountain West play. This holds as the best USU record since the 1996 season, as well as the most conference wins since the same year. Nevada ends the year at 32-15 with a 10-10 league record.

"Senior Day is always bittersweet. I was really proud of the team today because this is a tough, emotional day. We fought as hard as we could. There isn't anyone who can say that we didn't do what we needed to," said USU head coach Steve Johnson. "There are games that you win, there are games that you lose. Sometimes you just get beat and that was today. We did everything that we could. We were energized and had great pitching. They had one more hit than we did and that ended up being the difference-maker."

Prior to the game, Utah State honored its senior class. Colby Argyle, Sarah Chow, Noelle Johnson, Kirstyn Namba and Libby Pederson each played the final games of their careers. The team also recognized its graduating managers, athletic trainer and junior Elysia Mesa, whose career has been shortened by injury.

"This senior class means a lot to this program with everything they've done to build it to this point," Johnson said. "I'm just proud of the way we all fought through the emotions and played a great game."

Johnson made the start in the circle for the Aggies Saturday, pitching five complete innings. Junior April Brown then entered in relief for the remainder of the game. Together, the two allowed seven hits while striking out six batters and walking one. Utah State combined for six hits on the day, each coming from a different batter.

After a quiet first inning, Utah State was first on the board Saturday. Junior third baseman Victoria Saucedo was first on base as she doubled to left center. Junior designated player Paxton Provost followed with a single, while both runners advanced on a Nevada error. Saucedo then crossed the plate on a single from Namba. Sophomore outfielder Jazmin Clarke was next on base with a bunt single. With the bases loaded, junior Sydney Hart entered as a pinch hitter. She drew a walk, but brought in the second run of the inning. The Aggies struck again in the bottom of the third inning, as Pederson led-off with a home run to left field.

All four of Nevada's runs came in the top of the fifth inning. The Wolf Pack opened the inning with a double, while the runner scored on a single to left field. With runners on first and second, a home run put Nevada ahead with it's 4-3 lead.

Through the final three innings, Utah State batters were retired in order, while the Aggie defense allowed just one additional hit.

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.