SAN JOSE, Calif. – Utah State softball (10-10) recorded the program's 1,000th win Thursday, as it opened the Silicon Valley Classic II in an 8-0 victory over Saint Francis. 

With her performance in tonight's game, senior outfielder Riley Plogger continued to cement her place in the Utah State record books. With a run scored in the third inning, she tied the all-time career run record at 113. She recorded a season-high four RBIs in the win, securing a place on the top-10 record list. She now has 85 RBIs in her career, which ties for eighth. 

After getting just one runner on base through the first two innings, the Utah State offense exploded in the top of the third. Junior third baseman Kennedy Hira opened the inning with a single to right field, followed by a hit from senior second baseman Allanah Alvarado down the right side. Sophomore designated player Bri Lerma was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Junior outfielder Stephanie Reed hit into a fielder's choice, where the Red Flash looked to make the play at home. A bad throw to the plate worked out in the Aggies' favor, as Hira was able to score. The inning continued as Plogger added a single through the right side, later stealing second. A single from sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco sent both Reed and Plogger home to put Utah State up, 5-0, before the final two outs were made.

Back in the lead-off spot to start the fourth, Hira drew a four-pitch walk. Back-to-back fielder's choice plays left runners on first, before Reed was hit by a pitch for the second time of the night. However, both runners were left on base as the half-inning ended on a groundout. The Aggies added a hit in the fifth with a single from freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane, but a fielder's choice and double play made for another scoreless inning. 

The Aggies were able to add to their lead in the sixth, scoring two runs with two outs on the board. After the lead-off out, Hira singled to right field. A fly ball followed, but Lerma then walked and freshman Tyler Thornton entered the game as a pinch runner. A single from Reed loaded the bases, while a Plogger base hit sent Hira and Thornton home. 

Not done yet, Utah State continued to get runners on base in the top of the seventh. Orozco led off with a double to right center, while Jimenez was walked. Hira then reached on a fielder's choice, with the Red Flash making the out at third. Alvarado also drew a walk, loading the bases with two outs. Thornton stayed in to bat, where she was hit by a pitch that brought a run across. 

Saint Francis recorded five hits in the game, including a double and a triple, but the Aggie defense held strong to keep the Red Flash from crossing the plate and post back-to-back shutouts. SFU never had more than one hit in an inning, while a double play in the sixth highlighted USU's defensive performance. Utah State had nine hits on the night, with three players having two hits apiece. Sophomore Kapri Toone pitched her fifth complete game of the season, earning her sixth win and fifth shutout. 

Utah State will stay in San Jose for a pair of games on Friday, March 6. The Aggies will take on Saint Mary's at 11:30 a.m. (MT) and UC Santa Barbara at 2 p.m. The tournament moves to Santa Clara on Saturday, March 7, where USU will play Saint Francis and the host-Broncos at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively.

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.