OREM, Utah – Ending an eight-game losing skid, Utah State softball (11-21, 2-10 MW) defeated in-state rival Utah Valley, 13-7, Thursday in the third meeting between the schools this season. 

Utah State got a hit in the first inning, but Utah Valley was the one to take the early lead off a pair of doubles in the bottom the inning. The lead didn't stay in the Wolverines' favor long though, as the Aggies responded with four runs in the top of the second. 

Sophomore first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane opened the inning with a walk, followed by a double from junior catcher Gabriella Jimenez. Junior shortstop Lexi Orozco ended her hitting slump next, sending a bloop single to shallow left field and sending a run home. Still no outs on the board, the Aggies loaded the bases as sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane was hit by a pitch. Senior outfielder Kayla Fielder then reached base on a UVU error, sending Jimenez home. After one out, a walk dealt to senior outfielder Stephanie Reed scored Orozco and gave USU the lead. A diving catch in right field gave Mazie Macfarlane the chance to run home, giving freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita credit for the sac fly. However, Fielder did not tag up in time, as the Wolverines made the out and ended the top of the inning.

Utah State had another big inning in the third, extending its lead. After a lead-off out, Makenzie Macfarlane and Jimenez hit back-to-back singles. A fielder's choice kept runners at first and second, but Mazie Macfarlane then walked, loading the bases. Fielder then hit the first triple of her career, and just the second for the Aggies this season, clearing the bags and putting USU ahead, 7-2. 

Not ready to stop scoring, the Aggies added another four runs in the top of the fourth. After a single from Castruita, USU took advantage of two UVU fielding errors to load the bases. On the first pitch of her at-bat, Orozco drilled a ball over the center field fence, recording the third grand slam of her career. 

The Wolverines clawed back in the bottom of the inning, sending five runs home. The Aggies made the lead-off out, but UVU answered that with a walk. Three-straight singles followed to score two runs, with a three-run homer coming up next. USU made another pitching change then, still allowing two more runners to reach base, but making it out of the inning without further damage. 

Utah State got two runs back in the top of the fifth. Fielder opened the inning with a single up the middle, while Reed added a single down the left field line. With two outs, Reed stole second, and she and Fielder were both able to score as senior third baseman Kennedy Hira reached on another Wolverine error. Hira then tried to take second, but was out on the play, ending the half-inning. 

The Utah Valley defense looked to make up some ground as it retired six-straight Aggie batters in the final innings, but the USU defense bettered that, retiring the side in the final three innings. 

Freshman Jessica Stewart was the starting pitcher for USU Wednesday, but she was relieved by junior Kapri Toone after one out. Toone threw three full innings, and was then replaced by senior Delaney Hull. Toone was the winning pitcher of record, while Hull earned her first save of the season and third of her career by pitching the majority of the game. Both the Aggies and Wolverines finished the game with 10 hits, but UVU had four errors to USU's one. 

The Aggies return home this weekend to host San Diego State in a three-game Mountain West series. USU and the Aztecs will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 24, starting at noon. The third game is scheduled for noon on Sunday, April 25.

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.