LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (10-17, 2-6 MW) returned to Mountain West action Saturday, as it fell to UNLV twice. The Rebels bounced back to take a 6-2 win in an eight-inning game to start the day, then carried that momentum to the second for a 6-0 victory. 

GAME ONE
The teams moved quickly through the first two innings of the day. The Aggies were first to score, sending a run home in the bottom of the third. Senior outfielder Kayla Fielder singled up the middle, while senior outfielder Stephanie Reed reached base on a UNLV error. A single from junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez sent Fielder home to give USU the early lead. 

The advantage didn't last long, as the Rebels quickly responded in the top of the fourth. After a lead-off single on the first pitch of the inning, UNLV followed with a walk. A double to left field sent a runner home. A sac fly followed, putting the Rebels up, 2-1. 

Both defenses battled through the next innings, making solid plays to keep the opposing team from scoring. The Aggies were able to tie it up in the bottom of the seventh, when freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita hit the first home run of her collegiate career, forcing extra innings. The Rebels came out strong in the eighth, hitting two two-run home runs to take the lead. The Aggies were unable to answer in the home half of the inning, ending the game. 

Junior Kapri Toone pitched the complete game for USU, striking out two batters and walking another two. The Aggies allowed 12 hits off the UNLV bats, while recording five of their own. 

GAME TWO
UNLV lived by the long ball in the second game of the day. The Rebels finished the game with four home runs, driving all six runs in on the hits. UNLV tallied 13 total hits in the second contest, while holding the Aggies to four. 

Senior Delaney Hull pitched the complete game, recording six strikeouts to match her season high and only allowing one walk. 

Utah State and UNLV will close the series on Sunday, April 11, at 11 a.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.