LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (10-20, 2-9 MW) played a doubleheader against Boise State Saturday, dropping both contests. The Broncos opened the day with a 4-2 win, followed by a 7-1 victory in the second game.

GAME ONE
Boise State jumped out to a very quick lead Saturday, hitting a home run on the second pitch of the game. The Aggie defense responded well though, retiring the next three batters. USU then quickly bounced back, as senior third baseman Kennedy Hira tied the game with a home run of her own in the bottom of the inning. 

The Broncos took the lead back in the bottom of the third. With one out on the board, a walk was followed by a pair of singles, sending one run home. Two fielder's choice plays followed, with no out made on the first and two runs scoring on the second. 

The Aggies got runners on base in each of the next three innings, but were not able to score again until the sixth. Junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez opened the inning with a double down the third base side. Junior shortstop Lexi Orozco then hit into a fielder's choice, where both runners were safe. After a pitching change and another fielder's choice, a single from Hira drove Jimenez home. 

Utah State got two additional runners on in the seventh inning, but couldn't get anyone home before the end of the game. 

Junior Kapri Toone pitched the complete game for the Aggies, allowing one walk. Utah State put nine hits together, while allowing six. 

GAME TWO
Back on the field, the Aggies hit a lead-off single to start the second game, but the Broncos quickly took control. Boise State retired nine USU batters in a row, while adding four runs of its own in the third inning. A series of defensive miscues by the Aggies, combined with two singles, gave the Broncos the 4-0 lead. 

Utah State broke up its runner-less streak with a single in the top of the fourth, but the Broncos retired the next three batters. Boise State went on to extend its lead in the bottom of the inning. After back-to-back doubles, a three run home run put the Broncos ahead 7-0. 

The Aggies made a pitching change then, and held Boise State without another run the remainder of the game. Utah State made one last push in the top of the seventh, driving in a run and evading the shutout. After an out to start the inning, freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita and Hira hit back-to-back singles. Another out followed, but Makenzie Macfarlane then reached base on a Bronco error, where Castruita was able to cross the plate. 

Senior Delaney Hull started the game for the Aggies, pitching three innings before being relieved by Toone. Together, the pair struck out three batters and didn't allow any walks. In all, Boise State recorded 10 hits while Utah State had five.

The Aggies and Broncos will wrap-up their series on Sunday, April 18, in a noon game. 

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.