BOISE, Idaho – Utah State softball battled through the full seven innings, but was unable to catch Boise State, as the Broncos topped the Aggies, 10-6, in the series opener Friday.  

With the loss, Utah State falls to 13-20 overall and 4-8 in Mountain West play. Boise State improves to 24-8 in the year, including a 4-6 league ledger. 

Utah State capitalized on the Boise State pitching early, getting two runners on after a hit-by-pitch and a walk in the top of the first. After a 20-minute rain delay, the Aggies loaded the bases on another walk, but all runners were left stranded. The Broncos took control in their half of the inning, scoring six runs between the first and second. An RBI single and a wild pitch brought the first two runs in. Boise State then extended its lead on three hits, including a homer run, and an Aggie error in the second inning. 

Utah State got on the board in the top of the third. After two batters were walked and in scoring position, a single from freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco brought freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin across the plate. The Broncos answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, using power from two doubles to score and go up, 7-1. 

Utah State had a big inning offensively in the fourth. With one out, freshman designated player/catcher Gabriella Jimenez hit the first home run of her collegiate career. Junior outfielder Riley Plogger then reached on a fielder's choice, while an error in the outfield moved her to second and a passed ball took her to third. Plogger then scored as sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed grounded out. The Aggies then ended the half-inning with another solo home run, this time off the bat of sophomore third baseman Kennedy Hira. Boise State plated a run on a sac fly in the home half of the fourth, once again doubling up on the Aggies with an 8-4 lead. 

In the only scoreless inning of the game, the USU defense turned a double play and ended the fifth on a groundout. The Aggies struck again in the top of the sixth. Junior outfielder Ryann Holmes hit a lead-off single, but advanced to third on a Boise State error. She then scored on a single from Reed. The Broncos went on to add a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to take a 10-5 lead. Utah State had the final say on the scoreboard, as Orozco hit her ninth home run of the year in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough to keep the game going. 

On the day, Boise State held a 9-7 hit advantage, while both teams recorded two errors. Sophomore Delaney Hull made the start in the circle for USU, but freshmen Chloe Nightingale and Kapri Toone also saw time. Together the trio struck out two batters and walked five. 

Utah State and Boise State will continue the series on Saturday, April 13, at 4 p.m. The weekend finale is scheduled for noon on Sunday, April 14.

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.