PROVO, Utah – Utah State softball played its final road game of the 2019 campaign Tuesday, falling to in-state rival BYU, 5-2. 

With the loss, Utah State falls to 15-29, while BYU improves to 27-23 with the win. 

The Aggies has the first base runner of the night, as sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed doubled in the top of the first, but the Cougars struck out three other batters. After USU made two outs in the bottom of the inning, BYU went on to have four-straight hits, including a three-run home run, to take the early 3-0 lead. 

Utah State created several opportunities early, but continued to leave runners on base. The Aggies loaded the bases in the third, while adding a walk and another single in the fourth, but all runners were left stranded. 

BYU extended its lead in the bottom of the fourth, adding a solo home run to its line. The Aggies were then able to get on the board in the top of the fifth. After one out, Bolin singled, while Orozco reached on an error. A groundout advanced both runners, where a fielder's choice gave Bolin the opportunity to score. 

The Cougars struck again in the bottom of the fifth. After a lead-off single and a stolen base, another single brought a run in, putting BYU up 5-1. The Aggies were able to answer again in the sixth. Senior outfielder Mia Maher reached base on an error by the BYU pitcher, making it clear to third on the play. A groundout then gave Maher time to score. 

Utah State started the seventh inning with two runners, as junior designated player Ryann Holmes walked and senior first baseman Bailee Trapp added a single. BYU made a pitching change then, where the Cougars retired three-straight batters to end the game. 

In all, BYU out-hit Utah State, 9-7, but the Cougars had two errors in the game. The Aggies recorded their third-straight game without a defensive error. In the circle, sophomore Delaney Hull made the start for USU, but was relieved by freshman Kapri Toone after just two outs. Toone struck out two batters, while not allowing a walk. 

Utah State returns home now to close-out the season in a three-game Mountain West series against San Diego State. The Aggies and the Aztecs will play on Thursday, May 9, at 4 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. game on Friday, May 10. The season will then conclude on Saturday, May 11, at noon.

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.