Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif. -

Middle Tennessee 3, Utah State 2

Utah State 5, Loyola Marymount 2

On the second day of the Cal State Fullerton-hosted Titan Classic, Saturday, Utah State softball split its competition, falling to Middle Tennessee, 3-2, and topping Loyola Marymount, 5-2.

On the day, freshman outfielder Leah Molina and freshman shortstop Emery Marshall led the Aggies as they each hit .400 (2-of-5) between the two games. Senior Jordyn McCracken made her first start of the season against Middle Tennessee, throwing 4.0 innings before being relieved by freshman Delaney Hull. Sophomore Kellie White pitched her second complete game in as many days against Loyola Marymount, tallying # strikeouts.

Freshmen Stephanie Reed and Joley Williamson made their first collegiate starts against LMU, playing at second base and as the designated player, respectively.

Utah State got one runner on with a walk in the top of the first against Middle Tennessee, but the Blue Raiders were first to score. With one out on the board, Middle Tennessee hit back-to-back singles, then scoring on a sac fly. The Aggies were only able to garner one hit through the next two innings, but held the Blue Raiders to the same.

The top of the fourth became USU's biggest inning of the game. With one out, Plogger doubled down the left field line. Junior designated player Bailey Lewis drew a walk, with Mia Maher entering the game to run for her. Senior third baseman Amee Aarhus then reached base on a Middle Tennessee error, advancing all the way to third and pushing Plogger and Maher across the plate.

The Utah State defense allowed just two base runners through the next innings, heading into the bottom of the seventh with the 2-1 lead. With one out on the board, the Blue Raiders hit a pair of singles, while a third hit brought one run around to tie the game. A throwing error by the Aggies gave Middle Tennessee enough time to bring another run in, winning the game.

In the game, Utah State picked up four hits, while Middle Tennessee tallied eight. Both teams had two errors.

After a short break, the Aggies returned to the field and didn't waste any time getting the offense going in the first inning against Loyola Marymount. Molina was hit by a pitch and then stole second. Senior outfielder Jazmin Clarke followed with a single, also stealing a base. Plogger then singled to left field, hitting Molina home. The Aggies then executed a double steal, sending Clarke across the plate. Senior catcher Brina Buttacavoli was next to reach base, doing so on a Lion error and sending Plogger home to score.

Loyola Marymount put five runners aboard over the first and second innings, but the USU defense made quick work of them, leaving them stranded and keeping the Lions off the board until the bottom of the third. LMU led-off the inning with a double, followed by a single. A fielder's choice combined with a defensive error brought a runner home.

Utah State extended its lead in the top of the fourth. With two outs on the board, Marshall got on base with a bunt single. Williamson then added her first-career hit, clearing the fence and the bases. Loyola Marymount added one more run in the bottom of the fifth, but could not catch the Aggies.

The Lions out-hit Utah State, 7-5, but had two errors to Utah State's one.

Play at the Titan Classic will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 11, as the Aggies take on Rutgers at 11 a.m. (MT).

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.