ST. GEORGE, Utah – Utah State softball (0-6) continues to seek its first win of 2021, as it dropped the first two games of the Dixie Sate Classic Friday. 

The Aggies took on a pair of in-state rivals, falling to BYU, 6-3, and Utah Valley, 8-0, in six innings.

GAME ONE
BYU came out swinging, taking a 3-0 lead before any outs had been recorded in the game. After a lead-off home run, the Cougars loaded the bases on two walks and a double. Another single followed, sending two more runs home. After an Aggie pitching change, things shifted a bit with USU retiring the next six batters. 

Utah State's baserunning came about quite unconventionally throughout the game. Senior outfielder Stephanie Reed drew a lead-off hit-by-pitch, followed by a walk from sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane. In the second inning, senior designated player Kennedy Hira reached on an error. 

The Aggies were able to get on the board before they'd even picked up a hit. Sophomore second baseman Tyler Thornton was walked to start the third inning. She stole second, then headed to third on a wild pitch. A groundout back to the pitcher gave Thornton time to run home. 

USU continued to cut into BYU's lead in the bottom of the fourth. Junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez had the first hit of the day with a single through the left side. Sophomore catcher Makenzie Macfarlane followed with a walk, with Jimenez taking third on a fielder's choice. Freshman third baseman Zaia Castruita reached base on an error, with Jimenez and Hira scoring on the play. 

BYU extended its lead in the sixth, using a walk, two singles and a fielder's choice to get a batter across. USU had at least one baserunner in each of the remaining innings, but were never able to get another run. 

Junior Kapri Toone was the starting pitcher against BYU, but was relieved by freshman Jessica Stewart partway through the first inning. Stewart recorded a career-high six strikeouts, while the two combined to walk six batters. 

GAME TWO
After a short break, Utah State returned to the field to take on Utah Valley. 

The teams battled early, keeping things tight. The Wolverines were able to break open the scoring in the third inning, bringing two runs in on a triple. Things exploded offensively for UVU in the sixth, though, when two home runs, a sac fly and a triple combined to score six runs and end the game. 

Utah State had just two hits against Utah Valley, with a double from Reed and a bunt single from Thornton. The Aggies were unable to produce a baserunner through the last four innings, as the Wolverines retired each batter in order. 

Senior Delaney Hull made the start in the circle against UVU. She pitched four innings before being relieved by Toone. Senior designated player Leah Molina also made a pitching appearance, throwing one out before Hull re-entered the game. The three struckout three Wolverine batters and walked four. 

Action from St. George continues on Saturday, Feb. 20, with two games. The Aggies will take on Montana at 11 a.m., followed by a 4 p.m. game against No. 2 Washington. Tournament action will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 21, with an 11 a.m. game against Dixie State.

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.