LOGAN, Utah – Battling both the wind and the Aztecs, Utah State softball opened its final series of the season in a 4-3 win over San Diego State Thursday. 

With the win, Utah State moves to 16-29 on the season with a 5-16 Mountain West record. San Diego State falls to 24-25 overall and 11-11 in conference play. 

The Aggie defense shined early on. San Diego State was quick to get runners on base, with pairs of batters getting to second and third in both of the first two innings. USU was able to get out of the jam both times, then went on to retire the side in the third and fourth. 

After the entire batting order was retired the first time through, Utah State finally got its first base runners in the bottom of the fourth. Junior outfielder Riley Plogger reached first on an SDSU error, while sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed was hit by a pitch. The Aggies then loaded the bases as freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin was walked. After a fielder's choice made the out at the plate, a single from senior first baseman Bailee Trapp brought the first run of the day across. A sac fly from senior catcher Bailey Lewis followed, giving the Aggies a 2-0 lead before the inning ended on a strikeout. 

San Diego State was quick to respond, tying the score in the top of the fifth. The Aztecs drew a pair of walks along with a fielder's choice, where a double to left center brought two runs in. 

The Aggies were able to regain the lead in the bottom of the sixth. After one out, Trapp singled to left field. Lewis followed that with a double, putting two runners in scoring position for junior third baseman Erin Kuba who added a double of her own and put USU up 4-2. 

The Aztecs kept things interesting in the seventh, as they loaded the bases early on. A single then brought one run in to cut USU's lead to one and keep the bags full with just one out. The Aggie defense then made an out at the plate on a fielder's choice, while an out at second ending the game on the next play. 

On the day, San Diego State out-hit Utah State, 7-6. The Aggies had two errors in the game, while the Aztecs had one. Freshman Kapri Toone pitched the complete game for USU, her fifth of the season. She struck out five batters in the win while walking four. 

The series between Utah State and San Diego State continues on Friday, May 10, at 4 p.m. The weekend and season finale will then be played 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.