FULLERTON, Calif. –  Utah State softball opened its 2019 season at the Titan Classic, Friday, falling to Northwestern, 12-0, and Loyola Marymount, 3-2. 

The Aggies put together five hits on the day, with each coming from a different player. USU utilized three pitchers, where freshman Chloe Nightingale pitched a staff-high 4.1 innings. 

Northwestern took a hold of the game early, scoring five runs in the first inning. That followed with a one-run second inning, while adding the final six in the third. 

Utah State was held to just three base runners, as senior catcher Bailey Lewis  had the team's sole hit of the game, as well as a walk. After the Aggies were retired in order through the first two innings, Lewis opened the third with a double to center field. Freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin was the only other Aggie to reach base, as she was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning.

In all, Northwestern tallied 11 hits to Utah State's one. Sophomore pitcher Delaney Hull started the game against the Wildcats, while Nightingale made the first appearance of her career in relief. Together the two struck out four batters and walked five.

The Aggies returned to the field later Friday afternoon to take on Loyola Marymount. 

Similarly to the first game of the day, LMU was first on the board with a solo home run. The Lions went on to add a run in each of the next two innings to jump out to a 3-0 lead before the Aggies could score. Utah State picked up three early hits, but was not able to capitalize on its offense until the top of the sixth. 

Directly following a Loyola Marymount pitching change, junior outfielder Riley Plogger was hit by a pitch to open the inning. After one out, freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco drew a full count walk. A single from junior catcher Allanah Alvarado followed, advancing both runners and loading the bases. Sophomore third baseman Kennedy Hira then hit into a fielder's choice, where an error at first base allowed both Plogger and Orozco to score. The Aggies were able to load the bases again, but back-to-back outs ended the inning with all runners stranded. Both offenses were then retired in order, ending the game in the Lions' favor.

Loyola Marymount out-hit Utah State, 6-4, in the game, while the Aggies had two errors to the Lions' one. Freshman pitcher Kapri Toone made the first start of her collegiate career, with Nightingale pitched an additional three innings.

Utah State will continue the season-opening tournament with two games on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Aggies will start the day against Pacific (1-1) at 4 p.m. (MT), and will take on the host Titans (2-0) at 6:30 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.