FULLERTON, Calif. – Utah State softball opened its 2020 campaign Friday, falling to Pacific, 3-1, and Middle Tennessee, 9-4, at the Titan Classic, hosted by Cal State Fullerton.

GAME ONE
Errors proved costly for the Aggies in the early innings against Pacific. The team was able to bounceback from its mistakes in the first and second innings, but the Tigers capitalized with three runs in the third. Utah State drew a pair of walks in the first three innings before senior outfielder Riley Plogger picked up the first hit of the season in the fourth. Sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco followed with a double, bringing Plogger home. 

The USU defense stabilized through the final four innings. A double play highlighted the top of the sixth, as junior outfielder Stephanie Reed made a deep catch in center field before firing a throw to junior Kennedy Hira at third base. The Aggies had one more hit in the game, when freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane hit a single up the middle. 

Redshirt senior pitcher Alissa Noble made her first appearance in an Aggie uniform against Pacific, pitching the first complete game of her career. 

GAME TWO
Utah State was first to score in the second game of the day, taking the lead in the bottom of the first. The Aggies loaded the bases as the first three batters of the game were walked. Hira then reached on a fielder's choice, where the out was made at second, but allowed Reed to score. 

Middle Tennessee quickly evened the score, hitting a lead-off home run in the second. After the Aggies were retired in order in the bottom of the second, Plogger reached on an error in the third. Unfortunately she was left stranded, as the inning ended on a double play. The Blue Raiders took the lead in the fourth inning, loading the bases with one out. A single and a sac fly then brought two runners across. 

In the sixth, a double brought a runner home from first base, extending MTSU's lead to 4-1. Utah State was able to fight back in the bottom of the inning, plating three runs to tie the score at 4. Plogger opened the half-inning with a single, while Orozco was walked. Plogger was out at third on a fielder's choice, but Mazie Macfarlane's walk loaded the bases. A single from first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane followed, driving Orozco and Hira home. Sophomore catcher Gabriella Jimenez grounded out, but Mazie Macfarlane scored on the play. 

Utah State made a pitching change after Middle Tennessee opened the seventh inning with a single, but things continued to escalate. The Blue Raiders plated five runs in the inning, finishing off their day with a two-run home run. Reed added one last hit for the Aggies in the bottom of the inning, but could not put the offense together to make the comeback. 

Junior Delaney Hull started the game against Middle Tennessee, pitching the first six innings. Noble and sophomore Kapri Toone both made relief appearances in the loss. 

Action from the Titan Classic continues on Saturday. The Aggies are set to take on Loyola Marymount at 1:30 p.m. (MT), then Cal State Fullerton at 4 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.