PHOENIX, Ariz. – Utah State softball opened play at the Grand Canyon Purple Classic Friday, splitting its two games. The Aggies fell to CSUN, 8-7, in extra innings, going on to shutout the host-Lopes, 7-0. 

GAME ONE
After a quick first inning, Utah State was first on the board with three inventive runs in the top of the second. Freshman first baseman/catcher Makenzie Macfarlane led off with a single up the middle, when the CSUN pitcher hit three-straight batters on each first pitch. While senior designated player Allanah Alvarado took first, Macfarlane scored the first run of the day. With two outs, senior outfielder Riley Plogger was walked to send another run home, followed by a Matador error to put the Aggies up, 3-0. 

Makenzie Macfarlane continued her hot streak in the third with a solo home run to left center. The Matadors answered in the bottom of the inning, scoring a run on a double and a pair of singles. CSUN was able to take advantage of some Utah State miscues in the fourth inning, bringing a pair of runs in on two hits and three errors, pulling the score within one. With a sac fly in the bottom of the fifth, the Matadors tied the game at four. 

The Aggie bats got hot again in the sixth inning, starting with a lead-off double from junior third baseman Kennedy Hira. She then scored on a double from Alvarado. Junior outfielder Stephanie Reed got her first hit of the day on a single through the right side, while pinch runner Leah Molina scored on a sac fly from Plogger. In the seventh, Utah State also started out with back-to-back hits with singles from sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco and Makenzie Macfarlane. Sophomore catcher Gabriella Jimenez then reached on a fielder's choice, but an error by the CSUN shortstop sent pinch runner Tyler Thornton home and giving USU the lead again. Both remaining runners were then caught in run-downs between their respective bases, while a pop-up ended the half-inning. 

While the Aggies got the lead-off batter out in the bottom of the seventh, CSUN followed with a pair of singles. A three-run home run followed, tying the score at seven. After one more hit, Utah State turned a double play to get out of the inning and force extras. 

With international tiebreaker rule in effect in the eighth, Hira made it to third, but was unable to score. The Matadors advanced their runner on a sac bunt, with a single to win the game. 

Sophomore Kapri Toone made the start in the circle for the Aggies, striking out two batters in her four innings of work. Junior Delaney Hull entered to start the fifth inning, closing out regulation and striking out three batters. Redshirt senior Alissa Noble then came in to pitch the extra inning. Utah State had 10 hits to CSUN's 12. The Aggies made four errors in the game, while the Matadors had one. 

GAME TWO
Returning to the field against the host Lopes, the Aggies struck early. Plogger was first to reach base, taking first on a Grand Canyon error. With two outs on the board, Orozco lifted a hit over the right field fence to give USU its first two runs. 

The Aggies extended their lead in the second, getting two runners on base right away. In the lead-off spot, Hira was hit by a pitch, while senior second baseman Ryan Holmes reached on an error. Reed drilled a hit down the left field line, where she was able to advance to third on the throw and send both runners home. After another out, freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane singled up the middle to score Reed.

The Aggies had two base runners in both the third and fourth innings, but wasn't able to put another run up until the fifth. With two outs on the board, Holmes was hit by a pitch. Pinch hitting, Molina earned her first hit of the season with a single up the middle. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, then scored on a single from Reed. Plogger added a single and Reed stole third before the end of the inning, but they were left on base. 

Utah State took advantage of its lead late in the game, utilizing several substitutions. Junior Kayla Fielder, sophomore Bri Lerma and Thornton all pinch hit, while Lerma stayed in to play first base in the sixth and seventh. 

Noble made the start in the circle against Grand Canyon, pitching the first three innings before being relieved by Toone. The Aggies and Lopes finished the night with six hits apiece, but GCU recorded four errors in the game. 

Saturday's slate of games has been adjusted in anticipation of inclement weather. As of now, the Aggies are set to play CSUN again at 2 p.m., and Grand Canyon at 5:30 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.