LOS ANGELES, California – Utah State softball (1-1) split its 2023 season opener with a 2-0 loss to Cal State Fullerton (1-1) and 10-2 victory against CSU Bakersfield (0-1) on Friday. 

The Aggies lost their first game of the day 2-0 after the Titans scored a run in both the top of the fourth and sixth innings. 

Senior catcher Makenzie Macfarlane and sophomore third baseman Claire Raley each recorded a hit for the Aggies as Raley also had a career-high-tying two stolen bases. 

Sophomore Mia Reynolds started for the Aggies in the circle, striking out one batter and walking two in 6.1 innings of work. Freshman Tess Bumiller made her first career appearance in the circle in the seventh inning.

Utah State turned right around for its second game with a run-ruled 10-2 victory against the Roadrunners. 

Trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the third, Raley drew a walk to lead off for the Aggies before stealing her third base of the day. CSUB put away the next two batters, but Raley was able to advance to third on a wild pitch. 

Freshman left fielder Jaden Colunga then stepped up to the plate and singled to center field to score Raley. Graduate first baseman Gabriella Jimenez then picked up right where she left off a season ago with a two-run homer over the center field wall to give USU a 3-2 edge.

Utah State held CSU Bakersfield scoreless in the top of the fourth.

The Aggies opened the bottom of the frame with back-to-back singles from sophomore second baseman Claudia Medina and Raley. A fly out to center would then advance Medina to third to later allow Raley to steal second. Sophomore shortstop Ariel Fifita singled up the middle and advanced on the throw to bring Medina and Raley home.

Fifita advanced on a passed ball and Colunga drew a walk to put runners on first and third. A Jimenez sac fly then scored Fifita. A throwing error at the next at-bat allowed Macfarlane to reach third and Colunga to score. Macfarlane scored the fifth and final run of the inning after a single from sophomore designated player Giselle Gonzalez. 

The Aggies put away the 'Runners in order in the top of the fifth to go into the bottom of the frame with the chance to end the night early.

Medina and Raley once again opened the frame with back-to-back singles. Senior center fielder Tyler Thornton then singled through the right side to score Medina. CSUB intentionally walked Fifita to load the bases. A sacrifice fly from Colunga brought Raley across home plate for the walk-off 10-2 victory.

Seven Aggies had a hit against the 'Runners, led by Gonzalez, Medina and Raley with two apiece, while Jimenez had a game-high three RBIs. Raley tied her career high in stolen bases once again with two.

Bumiller made her first career start in the circle where she pitched for 2.0 innings. Senior Nya Laing inherited one runner in the top of the third, but gave up no runs and just one hit in her 3.0 innings of work to earn her first USU win. 

The Aggies are back in action on Saturday, Feb. 11, when they face Loyola Marymount (0-1) at 11 a.m. (MT), before a 1:30 p.m. (MT), rematch against CSU Bakersfield.

For more information on the Utah State softball program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUSoftball, on Facebook at USUSoftball and on Instagram at ususoftball.