Box Score

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -

UTEP 7, Utah State 5

Utah State softball opened a weekend of competition at the UC Riverside-hosted Amy S. Harrison Classic in a 7-5 loss to UTEP Friday.

Sophomore Katie Schroeder made the start in the circle Friday, pitching 1.1 innings before being relieved by freshman Kellie White. Together, the pair allowed nine hits with the seven runs, while tallying four strikeouts and four walks.

At the plate, freshman outfielder Riley Plogger led the team as she had two hits, including a double, and a walk on the day. Senior first baseman Paxton Provost was tops defensively with seven putouts, while senior shortstop Sarina Jaramillo added five assists.

Utah State falls to 5-3 on the season, while UTEP improves to 2-9, earning both wins of the season on Friday.

UTEP jumped out to an early lead, scoring all six team runs before Utah State was able to get on the board. The Miners led-off with a ground out, but the team followed with a triple and a single to push the first runner home. In the second inning, UTEP opened with another home run, while two of the next three batters added singles. After a pitching change, the Miners were able to advance and load the bases on a passed ball and a walk. The bags remained full after a fielder's choice, where another home run cleared the bases. One last out-of-the-park hit in the top of the third gave UTEP its 7-0 lead.

Utah State was able to respond in the bottom of the third, scoring four runs. Plogger picked up the first Aggie hit of the day on a single up the middle. Junior third baseman Amee Aarhus followed with a single to second, while junior outfielder Jazmin Clarke added a bunt single to load the bases. Senior outfielder Amanda Sheets drove in the first two runs on a single to shortstop to score Plogger and Aarhus. Jaramillo hit a deep fly ball to right field, but Clarke scored on the sacrifice. Sophomore designated player Bailey Lewis then reached first on a UTEP error, pushing Sheets home.

The Aggies added one more run in the bottom of the sixth. Senior second baseman Victoria Saucedo singled up the middle and scored when Plogger doubled to left field. UTEP got a runner around to third in the top of the seventh, but the Utah State defense held off. Unfortunately, the Aggies were unable to capitalize in the bottom of the inning, bringing the game to an end.

Utah State continues tournament play in Riverside with a pair of games on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Aggies will play Siena at 10 a.m. (MT), followed by a match-up against the host Highlanders at 12:30 p.m.

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.