SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Utah State softball split its pair of games at the Silicon Valley Classic Saturday, as it defeated Santa Clara, 6-1, and fell to Ball State, 5-2.

Sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco had the top offensive performance for the Aggies Saturday, as she went 3-for-8 at the plate. Freshman designated player Kenzie Bolin had the team's sole extra-base hit of the day with a home run against Ball State.

With the split, Utah State has a 6-8 record on the season. 

Much like Friday's games, the Aggies came out swinging early against Santa Clara, taking a 4-0 lead before the Broncos even got a turn at the plate. Despite a lead-off out, Utah State quickly loaded the bases on two walks and a base hit. The Santa Clara pitcher then dealt another pair of walks, giving the Aggies two runs. A single from sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed then drove in another two runs.

Santa Clara picked up two hits in the first two innings, but was unable to score until the bottom of the third. The Broncos put two runners on on a pair of singles, when a double brought both across the plate. 

After going three innings without a hit, the Aggies got back into it in the top of the fifth. Orozco lead off with a single up the middle, scoring when a single from junior second baseman Ryann Holmes combined with a Santa Clara error. Holmes then scored on a sac fly from junior third baseman Erin Kuba. The Aggies allowed just one Bronco baserunner through the rest of the game, taking the 6-1 win. 

Utah State was out-hit by Santa Clara, 6-4, but the Broncos had two errors on the day. Sophomore Delaney Hull pitched the complete game, striking out two batters and walking one. 

Utah State's offensive pace slowed in the game against Ball State. The Cardinals struck first in the game, taking a 2-0 lead with a solo home run in the first inning and scoring on a fielder's choice in the second. The Aggies were quick to answer and cut the deficit in half, as Bolin hit a home run in the bottom of the second. 

USU tied the score at two in the bottom of the fifth. After a lead-off walk from junior outfielder Riley Plogger and a bunt single from Reed, a single to left field from Orozco brought a run in. The defenses battled through the rest of regulation play, with neither able to score, forcing the first extra-inning game for the Aggies this season. The Cardinals were able to break through with a three-run home run in the top of the eighth, and Utah State was unable to answer in the bottom of the inning, ending the game.

The Aggies finished the game with five hits to Ball State's six, while the Cardinals had one error. Freshman Kapri Toone started the game in the circle for USU, but Hull pitched the majority of innings. Together the pair struck out five batters and walked another five.  

The Aggies' weekend in Santa Clara will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 24, in a 10 a.m. (MT) game against Northern Colorado. 

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.