DAVIS, Calif. – Utah State softball (8-10) split its Saturday slate of games, as it posted a 4-2 win over Texas State before falling to tournament co-host UC Davis, 7-0.

GAME ONE
Neither team wasted any time getting on the board in Saturday's first game. As the visiting team, Texas State was able to score its leadoff batter as she walked, later scoring on a double. The Aggies were quick to answer though, plating a run in the bottom of the inning. Senior outfielder Riley Plogger picked up the first hit of the day with a double off the left field fence. She advanced on a groundout, later scoring from third on a wild pitch.  

After forcing Texas State to leave two runners on in the top of the third, Utah State surged ahead with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Sophomore designated player Bri Lerma was hit by a pitch in the lead-off spot, with junior Leah Molina pinch running for her. After one out, junior outfielder Stephanie Reed laid down a bunt and beat the throw to first. Freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane followed with a single off her first pitch, sending runners around. Molina went for home, where the Texas State catcher was called for obstruction, giving the Aggies the go-ahead run. On the next at-bat, sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco blasted a double to center field, sending Reed and Macfarlane home. 

Texas State got a run back in the fifth inning, when a batter reached on a USU error and was then able to score on a double deep in right center. The Aggies had a chance to extend their lead in the sixth inning, but left runners on the corners. Utah State then retired the Bobcats in order on three groundouts, securing the win. 

Sophomore Kapri Toone pitched the complete game against Texas State, striking out five batters. The Aggies had six hits to the Bobcats' three, while each team had one error. 

GAME TWO
Heading right back to the field, the Aggies were set for a rematch with UC Davis. Utah State got busy early and was able to load the bases in the top of the first on a hit and two walks, but all runners were left stranded. 

UC Davis struck first with a pair of runs in the second inning. With two runners on from a single and a USU error, a double to left center sent both home. Both teams performed well defensively over the next stretch, but UC Davis exploded with a five-run inning in the fifth. The California Aggies led off with back-to-back hits, with both runners advancing on a sac bunt. A double followed, with all runners advancing on a USU throwing error and two runs scoring. 

UC Davis continued with a walk and a stolen base, leaving two runners in scoring position to cross the plate on a double to left center. The Aggies made a pitching change, but a defensive miscue made for another single and an error, sending a run across to give UC Davis its 7-0 lead. Utah State got one more batter on base when Lerma was hit by a pitch in the seventh, but the game ended before any USU runs could score.

Utah State had two hits to UC Davis' 10, while recording four errors. Redshirt senior Alissa Noble made the start in the circle for USU, striking out two batters in her 4.1 innings of work. Junior Delaney Hull closed out the game, throwing the last 1.2 innings. 

Capital Classic competition will conclude on Sunday, March 1, when the Aggies play Santa Clara at 10 a.m., 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.