BOISE, Idaho – Utah State softball closed its weekend of competition Sunday, falling to Boise State, 12-8.

Freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco led the Aggie offense, as she was 2-for-2 at the plate and added two walks. Orozco hit her 10th home run of the season Sunday, securing a spot on the Utah State single-season home run record list where she is now tied for fifth. Additionally, she ties the program record for home runs by a freshman in a single season.  

With the loss, Utah State falls to 13-22 overall with a 4-10 Mountain West record. Boise State improves to 26-8 on the year, including a 6-6 league ledger. 

Utah State was first on the scoreboard Sunday, where Orozco's first hit of the day brought a run across. Junior outfielder Riley Plogger opened the game with a walk, while sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed singled up the middle. A single through the right side from Orozco brought Plogger home. The Broncos responded in the bottom of the inning, taking a 3-1 lead before the Aggies could record an out. The Aggies got two runners on base in the top of the second, but both were left stranded. Boise State added another run in the bottom of the inning, scoring on a groundout. 

Utah State got back into scoring in the top of the third, where Orozco hit a solo home run. Boise State was again quick to answer though, adding a solo shot of its own in the bottom of the inning. The Broncos then went on to score five runs in the fourth, including a three-run home run, to take the 10-2 lead. 

With the run-rule threatening the end of the game, the Aggie bats came alive in the top of the fifth. After a lead-off strikeout, Reed blasted a solo home run to left field. Freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin then singled, while Orozco drew a walk. A single from senior first baseman Bailee Trapp brought Bolin home. Freshman catcher Gabriella Jimenez followed suit then, as her single through the left side drove Orozco to the plate. Back within five at 10-5, the Aggies retired the Broncos in order in the bottom of the inning to keep the game going. 

Boise State came close to ending the game in the bottom of the sixth, hitting a double and a home run to extend its lead to 12-5. The Aggies opened the seventh inning with two quick baserunners as Orozco walked and Trapp was hit by a pitch. With two outs on the board, junior designated player Allanah Alvarado hit her first home run of the season to bring in three runs. Unfortunately the comeback stopped there, as the game ended on a pinch-hit strikeout. 

In the game, Boise State tallied 12 hits to Utah State's 10. The Aggies also had one defensive error. Sophomore pitcher Delaney Hull made the start for the Aggies, throwing 3.1 innings before being relieved by freshman Kapri Toone. The pair walked three batters, while Toone struck out two. 

Utah State returns to home Mountain West play next week, as it hosts Fresno State. With the Easter holiday, the weekend series will start on Thursday, April 18, at 4 p.m. Games will follow on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, at 4 p.m. and noon, respectively.

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.