LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (9-12, 1-2 MW) opened its busy week at home Tuesday, falling to in-state rival Utah Valley, 2-1. 

The two teams battled through five scoreless innings to start the game. The Wolverines loaded the bases in their first trip to the plate, but timely strikeouts from Aggie pitcher Jessica Stewart kept them from scoring. USU had at least one runner reach base in each of the first five innings, but its best chance to score came in the bottom of the fourth. A deep ball to right center sent freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita all the way to third, but she was unable to make it home. 

Utah Valley added a triple of its own in the top of the fifth, but the Aggie defense turned a double play to keep the Wolverines away from the plate. The Wolverines were first to score, plating a run in the top of the sixth. After a lead-off double and a wild pitch, a sac bunt sent a runner home. The lead didn't last long though, as junior shortstop Lexi Orozco evened things up with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the inning. 

After two outs to start the seventh, Utah Valley hit a single, followed by a deep double to score the runner from first. The Aggies were then retired in order in the home half of the inning, ending the game. 

Stewart made the start for the Aggies in the circle, pitching five innings before being relieved by junior Kapri Toone. The pair tallied six strikeouts and three walks in the game.

The Aggies return to Mountain West action later this week, playing a three-game series at Nevada. USU and the Wolf Pack will play on Thursday, April 1, at 5 p.m. (MT), then play a doubleheader on Friday, April 2, starting at 1 p.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.