TEMPE, Ariz. –  Utah State softball had an up-and-down day in the second day of competition at the Littlewood Classic Saturday, as the Aggies fell to No. 4 Florida, 13-1, and topped Illinois State, 13-8.

The Utah State offense was led by junior outfielder Riley Plogger, who went a combined 4-for-5 at the plate. Freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco was close behind, batting 4-for-6 on the day, including a double and a home run. Orozco tallied five RBIs in the win against Illinois State, while junior third baseman Erin Kuba was responsible for batting in another five runs between the two contests. 

With the split, Utah State has a 3-6 record on the year. 

Florida scored early and often, striking in every inning of the game. On 10 hits, including four for extra bases, the Gators jumped out to a 12-0 lead before Utah State could break up the perfect game in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Plogger and Orozco hit back-to-back singles, while junior second baseman Ryann Holmes drew a walk. Another walk dealt to junior third baseman Erin Kuba brought in the Aggies' sole run of the game. The Gators added one last run in the top of the fifth before the game ended in a run rule.

Utah State had two hits to Florida's 11, while the Aggie defense also committed three errors. Freshmen Kapri Toone and Chloe Nightingale split pitching responsibilities in the game, striking out two batters and walking six.

The USU offense came alive in the second game of the night. Though Illinois State struck first with three runs in the top of the first inning, the Aggies were quick to answer. Plogger again had the first hit of the game with a single to left field, where she was able to score on a double from Orozco. 

The Aggies went on to score six runs in the second inning. Senior first baseman Bailee Trapp was hit by a pitch to open the inning, while freshman catcher Gabriella Jimenez followed with a base hit.  A single from sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed brought both runners home. After an Illinois State pitching change, sophomore Kennedy Hira reached on a fielder's choice, while a throwing error allowed all runners to advance and Jimenez to score. Back-to-back singles from Plogger and Orozco brought another pair of runs in, before Kuba added another single and a Redbird error gave USU two more runs and the 7-3 lead. 

Illinois State scored four-straight runs before the Aggies could strike again, tying the score at seven. A walk and a single combined for the first of the four runs, while the Redbirds blasted a three-run home run in the top of the fourth. Utah State bounced back in the bottom of the inning, leading off with a single and a walk and forcing another Illinois State pitching change. Orozco followed with a one-pitch home run, scoring sophomore designated player Leah Molina and Plogger. Another three singles followed for the Aggies, giving USU the 11-7 advantage. 

Utah State added another two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Between Aggie strikeouts, Plogger hit a single to shortstop and Holmes drew a walk. Kuba followed with a double to right center, bringing the two runners home. The Redbirds cut into their deficit with a solo home run in the sixth, but the USU defense retired the side in the top of the seventh, ending the game. 

Utah State outhit Illinois State, 14-10, and was perfect defensively while the Redbirds had two errors. Sophomore Delaney Hull made the start in the circle for the Aggies, with Nightingale and Toone also appearing in relief. In all, USU tallied five strikeouts and walked five batters. 

Action from the Littlewood Classic will conclude on Sunday, February 17, when USU plays No. 14 Arizona State at 1:30 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.