SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Utah State softball (7-9) opened play at the Capital Classic Friday, falling to Saint Mary's, 10-2, and Sacramento State, 8-0, in a pair of six-inning games. 

GAME ONE
Saint Mary's looked to capitalize early, loading the bases after the Aggies made the leadoff out. Utah State was able to get out of the jam though, as junior pitcher Delaney Hull recorded back-to-back four-pitch strikeouts. The Aggies were retired in order to start the game, but found its groove in the second. Sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco was the first Aggie on base, drawing a full-count walk. She took second on a groundout, scoring on a double from sophomore catcher Gabriella Jimenez. 

The Aggie defense found itself in a similar situation as the first in the fourth inning, as Saint Mary's loaded the bases with just one out on the board. A two-run double gave the Gaels the lead, bringing sophomore Kapri Toone in to pitch for Utah State. That hit sent Saint Mary's on a bit of a run, as it scored another pair of runs on a wild pitch and a single. Toone got her first strikeout of the day on the next batter, but a three-run home run followed, putting the Gaels up, 7-1, before the end of the half-inning.

The Gaels loaded the bases again in the top of the fifth, bringing two runs across on a single to shortstop. With the threat of a run-rule looming, the Aggies came out swinging in the bottom of the inning. Sophomore designated player Bri Lerma, senior second baseman Allanah Alvarado and junior outfielder Stephanie Reed hit three-straight singles to start. After one out, freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane grounded out, but sent a run home. The Aggies got one more runner on as Orozco was hit by a pitch, but the bases were left full at the end of the inning. 

Saint Mary's plated one more run in the sixth, once again taking an eight-run lead. Jimenez led off with her second double of the game, later advancing on a wild pitch, but she was unable to come around, ending the game. 

In all, Utah State had eight hits, while Saint Mary's had 11. The Aggies also had one error in the game on a dropped foul ball. 

GAME TWO
Sacramento State scored early and consistently against the Aggies, slowly building up its lead. The Hornets scored once in the first and second innings. Another two runs came across in the third on a bases-loaded walk and a fielder's choice. Utah State retired Sacramento State in order in the fourth, but the Hornets responded with a pair of home runs in the fifth to take a 7-0 lead. With two outs and runners on second and third in the sixth, a single into right field drove the game-winning run home.

The Aggies had three hits in the loss to the Hornets, each coming off the bat of a different player. Sacramento State finished the game with 11 hits and had no errors, while USU had two. 

Capital Classic competition continues Saturday, Feb. 29, as the Aggies move to play at UC Davis. Utah State will take on Texas State at 10 a.m. (MT), and UC Davis at 12:30 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, March 1, when the Aggies play Santa Clara at 10 a.m., back in Sacramento.

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.