ST. GEORGE, Utah – Utah State softball (1-7) continued play at the Dixie State Classic Saturday, splitting its two games in a 15-7 win over Montana and a 10-1 loss to No. 2 Washington. 

GAME ONE
The Utah State bats came alive in the Saturday opener, as the Aggies put together 15 hits, including a school-record six home runs. Junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez hit three of the team's six dingers, which ties the program record for home runs in a single game set by Kelley Kaneshiro on April 27, 2008. Junior shortstop Lexi Orozco added two home runs, while sophomore second baseman Tyler Thornton hit the first one of her career. Saturday marked the first time a USU player hit more than one home run since Orozco hit two against Fresno State on April 20, 2019.

Leading off, senior outfielder Stephanie Reed was hit by a pitch. Jimenez followed with her first home run of the game to give the Aggies an early 2-0 lead. Montana responded in the bottom of the second, taking the lead as it scored three runs on four hits. 

The Aggies didn't let the deficit last long, bringing another pair of runs in in the top of the third. Jimenez led off with a walk, and USU loaded the bases on a single from sophomore catcher Makenzie Macfarlane and a walk from sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane. As junior designated player hit into a fielder's choice, Jimenez scored and Makenzie Macfarlane made it home on a throwing error. Montana evened the score at four in the bottom of the inning, scoring on an Aggie error. USU reclaimed the lead the following inning though, with the second home run of the day for Jimenez. 

The Griz responded in the bottom of the fifth, using a three-run home run to take a 7-4 lead. After a USU pitching change, the defense recorded three-straight outs to avoid further damage. In the top of the sixth, the advantage shifted back to the Aggies, where it stayed for the rest of the game. After one out, Thornton hit her home run. A single and a walk followed for USU, making way for three runs to score on an Orozco homer.

Not ready to call it a game, Utah State went on to score six runs in the top of the seventh. Tidd led off with a single up the middle, stealing second on the next at-bat, and freshman third baseman Zaia Castruita was hit by a pitch. With runners on second and third, senior outfielder Kayla Fielder singled to send Tidd home. Castruita then used a single from senior outfielder Stephanie Reed and a Montana error to cross the plate. Jimenez and Orozco followed with back-to-back home runs, putting USU's lead at 15-7. The Grizzlies made a pitching change, but the Aggies were able to get two more runners on base before the end of the inning. 

Freshman Jessica Stewart started the game in the circle for Utah State, pitching four innings before being relieved by junior Kapri Toone. Together the pair struck out five batters and did not allow any walks. 

GAME TWO
The Aggies held their own early against second-ranked Washington, but the high-powered bats of the Huskies were eventually too much. Washington strung 10 hits together, including two doubles, two triples and a home run. 

Utah State's first hit came in the bottom of the third on a single from Castruita. Thornton also got on base that inning after being hit by a pitch. The Aggies found a bit of an offensive groove in the bottom of the sixth, plating a run, but it wasn't enough to keep the game going. Fielder led off with a single, while Reed drew a walk. After both runners advanced, a single from Orozco drove Fielder in. 

Toone pitched the complete game for Utah State, striking out two batters and walking three. 

Tournament action in St. George 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.