SAN JOSE, Calif. – Utah State softball (12-26, 3-15 MW) closed the weekend in a 5-4 loss at San José State Sunday. 

Much like the second game of the series, the Spartans took an early lead with a single fun in the bottom of the first. Utah State got runners on base in the second and third innings, but was unable to drive a run home until the fourth. 

Sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane led-off the fourth with her second double of the day. Senior third baseman Kennedy Hira then reached on a throwing error by the SJSU pitcher, with Macfarlane scoring on the play. After a Spartan pitching change, junior catcher Gabriella Jimenez and junior shortstop Lexi Orozco hit back-to-back singles, where pinch runner Sydnee Smith scored to give the Aggies the lead. USU then loaded the bases on a fielder's choice and a single from senior outfielder Stephanie Reed, where freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita was hit by a pitch, bringing a run across. 

Utah State's lead didn't last long, as the Spartans answered with three runs in the home half of the inning. Two walks paired with a triple and two singles to put San José State back in the lead and force a USU pitching change. 

The Aggies were able to even the score again in the fifth. Macfarlane opened the inning with a walk, taking second on a wild pitch and third on a sac bunt. She then scored as Jimenez singled through the right side. USU retired the Spartans in order in the bottom of the fifth, but SJSU regained the lead with a run on a sac fly in the sixth. The seventh inning played out much like the fifth, with a walk from Macfarlane and a single from Jimenez, but a fly ball ended the game.

Freshman Jessica Stewart was the starting pitcher for the Aggies, throwing 3.2 innings before being relieved by junior Kapri Toone. The pair walked three batters and struck out two in the contest, while allowing a combined seven hits.  

Utah State has the next week off before returning to action on Sunday, May 9. The Aggies will then host Dixie State for a doubleheader, beginning at noon. USU then welcomes BYU for a single game at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11. The Aggies will then close the season with a three-game series against New Mexico, taking on the Lobos in two games on Friday, May 14 and a single game on Saturday, May 15. 

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.