LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (13-30, 3-17 MW) opened its final series of the 2021 season Friday, dropping a pair of games to New Mexico (10-35, 9-13 MW). The Lobos took the first game of the day, 9-4, following that with a 9-3 victory. 

GAME ONE
New Mexico took control of the game early, and kept it throughout. After the first two outs had been made, the Lobos hit a double, followed by a single. However, an Aggie error at first base sent the first run of the day across the plate. USU answered and took the lead in the bottom of the second. Freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita led off with a single, while sophomore first baseman/outfielder Mazie Macfarlane reached on a fielder's choice. Freshman outfielder Libbie Hawker followed with her first collegiate hit, later stealing second. A Lobo error then sent two runners home for the Aggies. 

The Utah State lead didn't last long, as New Mexico came out swinging in the third inning. The Lobos strung five singles together to start the inning, scoring two runs. After a USU pitching change, a pair of sac flies extended the Lobo lead to 5-2. New Mexico then added a pair of two-run home runs in the third and fourth innings. 

USU chipped away at the deficit with two more runs in the game. In the bottom of the fourth, Macfarlane and Hawker each reached on New Mexico errors, with both then advancing on a groundout. A single from senior outfielder Stephanie Reed then drove Macfarlane across the plate. 

In the seventh inning, junior catcher/first baseman Gabriella Jimenez led off with a single to center field taking second on a groundout. Castruita added a single of her own, where Jimenez was able to score as the New Mexico catcher was called for obstruction. Macfarlane added a walk in the inning, but was left stranded as the game came an end. 

Junior Kapri Toone started the day in the circle for the Aggies, throwing two innings before being relieved by senior Delaney Hull. The duo struck out four batters and did not allow any walks. 

GAME TWO
New Mexico took an early lead again, starting the second game with a 2-0 advantage before the Aggies could get to the plate. After one out, the Lobos hit back-to-back solo home runs. USU responded well in the bottom of the inning with two singles and two stolen bases, but both runners were left stranded. 

The long ball continued to benefit the Lobos, who brought in another pair of runs in the top of the fourth after a lead-off walk was followed by a dinger to left center. Utah State got on the board in the bottom of the inning, responding with a homer of its own. Senior outfielder Kennedy Hira hit her sixth home run of the season off the left field foul pole. 

Despite allowing another three hits, the Aggie defense was able to hold the Lobos from scoring again. A double play highlighted the fifth inning, as senior outfielder Kayla Fielder made a catch in left field, then utilized Orozco and Castruita to catch a New Mexico runner. 

The Aggie offense found a surge in the bottom of the sixth inning, loading the bases before any outs were made. Castruita opened the inning with a single, while Macfarlane walked and Jimenez was hit by a pitch. A single from Hira was hit deep enough to send Castruita and Macfarlane home, putting the Aggies within a run before the inning came to an end. 

Unfortunately for the Aggies, the Lobos also had one last power inning in them. With an out to start,  New Mexico hit a single then had two runners reach on a USU error and a bunt. With a second defensive error advancing a runner, a double and another home run, UNM added five runs to take the 9-3 lead. Utah State added one more single from Castruita, but was otherwise retired in the bottom of the inning. 

Freshman Jessica Stewart was the starting pitcher for the Aggies, throwing 6.1 innings and recording two strikeouts before Hull entered in relief. 

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.