FULLERTON, Calif. – Utah State softball wrapped up play at the Titan Classic Sunday, falling to UC Riverside, 11-4. 

UC Riverside was first to score, bringing three runs across in the second inning on a single and a two-run home run. That lead didn't last long though, as the Aggies responded with three runs of their own in the top of the third. Senior second baseman Ryann Holmes reached on an error by the Highlander pitcher, before senior outfielder Riley Plogger hit the team's first home run of the season. Freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane followed with a double, later scoring on a single from sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco. 

UC Riverside looked to score in the third, with two walks and a stolen base before any outs were made. The Aggie defense held though, turning a triple play to end the inning. Holmes caught a line drive near second, throwing to sophomore first baseman Bri Lerma and then Orozco to tag both runners before they could return to the bases.

The Highlanders took the lead back with a single run in the bottom of the fourth. Utah State then responded with a run in the top of the sixth to tie the score at four. Sophomore designated player Gabriella Jimenez was walked to open the inning, scoring from first on a double from junior outfielder Stephanie Reed. 

Things escalated quickly for UC Riverside in the bottom half of the inning, where it brought seven runs across. After getting the lead-off out, Utah State allowed seven-straight base runners, including two doubles, two home runs and two walks. The Aggies were able to get one run back in the top of the seventh, when freshman catcher Makenzie Macfarlane scored on a groundout. 

All four Utah State pitchers saw time in the game Sunday, with senior Alissa Noble making the start. Freshman Chloe Nightingale made her first appearance of the season, pitching the last two outs. 

Utah State returns to the field for the Golden State Classic in Lake Elsinore, Calif., next weekend. USU will begin the tournament with two games on Friday, Feb. 14, against Hawai'i at 10:30 a.m. (MT), and Portland State at 3:30 p.m. Utah State will then face San Diego and UC Davis  on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. The weekend will close with a game against Seton Hall on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.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.