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LOGAN, Utah -

Idaho State 9, Utah State 7

Despite a valiant effort at a comeback in the sixth inning, Utah State softball opened its five-game homestand in a 9-7 loss to Idaho State, Wednesday.

Freshman Delaney Hull was the starting pitcher for the Aggies, as she went three innings before being relieved by sophomore Kellie White. Together, the two struck out seven batters and walked three. Sophomore first baseman Devan Sperry was the top batter for Utah State, where she went 2-of-3. Senior outfielder Jazmin Clarke and sophomore outfielder Riley Plogger also recorded multiple hits, as each went 2-for-4 at the plate.

With the loss, Utah State falls to 13-23 overall, while Idaho State improves to 8-26.

Idaho State didn't waste any time getting ahead of the Aggies, as the team plated four runs in the top of the first. A two-run home run highlighted the inning for the Bengals, while they also capitalized on two singles and Utah State error. The Aggie defense was able to slow the Idaho State pace through the second and third innings, before getting on the board in the bottom of the third.

With two outs on the board, Plogger singled up the middle. Senior third baseman Brina Buttacavoli followed with a single of her own, while a long throw allowed both runners to advance another base. Senior outfielder Emily Hunter was then able to take first on a dropped third strike, but an error at the base allowed time for both Plogger and Buttacavoli to make it home.

Idaho State surged ahead again with another four runs in the top of the fourth. The Bengals opened the inning with three-straight hits, including a double to bring in a run. After a Utah State pitching change, Idaho State continued, scoring a run on each of its next three at-bats.

The Aggies were unable to answer until the bottom of the fifth. Clarke led-off with a double up the middle, advancing to third on a single from Hunter. Hunter then stole second, and while the Bengal defense looked to make the out there, Clarke made the run to the plate to score. In the top of the sixth, Idaho State was able to capitalize on that same play, as a runner stole second to allow time for a run to come across in the double steal.

Utah State had its biggest inning in the bottom of the sixth, bringing four runs in and looking for the comeback. Sophomore catcher Allanah Alvarado opened the inning with a walk, with junior Mia Maher entering to run and stealing second. Sperry singled up the middle, but the throw was just long enough for her to take second and for Maher to score. Clarke was also walked and stole a base, where she and Sperry scored on a single from Plogger. Buttacavoli made the last big play of the day with a triple to the right field warning track, scoring Plogger. Unfortunately, the Aggies were retired in order in the seventh, falling short of the Bengals.

On the day, Idaho State out-hit Utah State, 11-9. The Aggies made two defensive errors, while the Bengals had one.

The Aggies remain at home for the weekend of Mountain West play. Utah State will host Colorado State on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14, at 4 p.m. each day, with the series finale set for Sunday, April 15, at noon.

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.