SAN JOSE, Calif. – Utah State softball (11-11) continued play at the Silicon Valley Classic II Friday, splitting a pair of games. The Aggies started the day in a 3-2 win over Saint Mary's before falling to UC Santa Barbara, 8-0, in six innings. 

With the game-winning run against Saint Mary's, senior outfielder Riley Plogger became the all-time runs leader at Utah State. Plogger finished the day with 114 runs in her career, passing the previous record of 113 set by Victoria Saucedo. 

GAME ONE
Utah State and Saint Mary's both got runners on base early on, but neither team capitalized until the third. A lead-off triple from junior outfielder Stephanie Reed highlighted the first inning for USU, while the defense was able to get out of each half-inning with runners left in scoring position. 

The Gaels were first to bring a run around, taking the lead in the top of the third. After a single and a stolen base, another base hit combined with a Utah State throwing error provided time for the runner to get home. The lead didn't last long for Saint Mary's though, as the Aggies responded in the bottom of the inning. Reed was hit by a pitch to start the half-inning, taking second on a sac bunt. Freshman outfielder Mazie Macfarlane singled to the shortstop, who then made a throwing error where both runners advanced. Reed then scored on a sac fly from sophomore shortstop Lexi Orozco, while Mazie Macfarlane scored the go-ahead run on a double from freshman catcher Makenzie Macfarlane. 

Reed went on to hit another triple in the bottom of the fifth inning, though she was left on base. This marked the first time a single Utah State player hit multiple triples in the same game since 2016. Additionally, it was the first time the Aggies hit more than one triple as a team in a game since the 2017 season, when they did it three times. 

With two outs in the top of the seventh, Saint Mary's made a last offensive surge. With one runner on, back-to-back singles loaded the bases. The Gaels added one more sharp base hit down the left field line, scoring on the play and tying the score at two. The Aggies responded well in the bottom of the inning though. Plogger was first on with a single to second, advancing on a groundout. Orozco then delivered the two-out single to right field, sending Plogger home to score the record-breaking and game-winning run. 

Redshirt senior Alissa Noble pitched the complete game against Saint Mary's, striking out a career-best eight batters. In all, the Gaels had eight hits to the Aggies' seven, while both teams had one error. 

GAME TWO
UC Santa Barbara scored early and kept rolling in the second game of the day. After loading the bases, the Gauchos brought their first two runs in in the first inning. Another walk and base hit in the second resulted in another run. 

The Utah State defense tightened through the next three innings, allowing just one hit. UC Santa Barbara surged ahead in the sixth inning. Before any outs were made, the Gauchos got two runners on through a single and a USU error. After a strikeout, another walk loaded the bases, with the second out of the inning coming on a fielder's choice at the plate. The Aggies struggled to make the final out then, as UCSB recorded three-straight singles. Two runs came across on the first two hits, while the third brought in the run rule-enforcing run. 

Utah State had at least one base runner in four of the six innings, but only got as far as third base once. The Aggies finished the game with three hits and had two batters hit by pitches. Junior Delaney Hull made the start in the circle, pitching 1.1 innings before being relieved by sophomore Kapri Toone. 

Utah State will move to Santa Clara for the final tournament games on Saturday, March 7. Weather permitting, the Aggies 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.