PHOENIX, Ariz. – Utah State softball (7-8, 0-0 Mountain West) concluded its run at the Grand Canyon Tournament with a 12-9 victory over Montana (0-15) on Sunday.
 
After a scoreless first two innings, the Aggies came up big in the top of the third with five runs. Sophomore shortstop Ariel Fifita had a lead-off double and sophomore third baseman Claire Raley reached on an error before the pair stole third and second, respectively. Senior center fielder Tyler Thornton then doubled to right center to score the pair.
 
Freshman right fielder Kya Pratt and sophomore second baseman Claudia Medina each singled at the next two at-bats before a three-run bomb from freshman left fielder Jaden Colunga gave USU the 5-0 edge. It was Colunga's first home run of her collegiate career.
 
The Aggies extended their lead to 7-0 in the top of the fourth after a two-RBI single from Pratt. The Grizzlies trimmed the deficit to one at 7-6 after scoring six runs in the bottom of the frame.
 
Utah State was knocking them out of the ballpark in the top of the fifth as the Aggies had four-straight home runs in the frame. After a Colunga lead-off double, senior catcher Makenzie Macfarlane had a two-run bomb to extend the lead to 9-6.
 
USU then recorded three-straight solo home runs from graduate first baseman Gabriella Jimenez, freshman pinch hitter Grace Matej and Raley for the 12-6 advantage.
 
Montana trimmed at the margin, scoring one run in the bottom of the fifth and two in the bottom of the sixth, but Utah State held on for the 12-9 victory.
 
Three Aggies saw time in the circle on Sunday, as freshman Hailey McLean made the start with four strikeouts in 3.0 innings of work. Freshman Tess Bumiller earned her second win of the season after pitching for 2.1 innings. Sophomore Mia Reynolds pitched the final 1.2 frames, recording one strikeout and giving up no runs during her time in the circle.
 
Up Next
Utah State will have a week off before its final nonconference tournament of the season at the Silicon Valley Classic II from Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 12, in Santa Clara, California.
 
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.
 
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