LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (22-27, 5-16 MW) lost to San José State in the second game of its final series of the season Friday afternoon, falling 7-6 at Johnson Field.
 
The Aggies got off to a strong start in this one, taking an early four-run lead. After a scoreless first inning, Utah State put three runs on the board courtesy of a blast to right center field by sophomore outfielder Kya Pratt to score senior outfielder Ali Ashner and junior outfielder Hannah Vargas. 
 
The Spartans countered with a run in the top of the third, but two more runs by Utah State in the bottom of the inning made it a 5-1 lead as a two-run shot over the center field fence by junior infielder Giselle Gonzalez scored sophomore catcher Grace Matej. This was the 10th home run of the season by Gonzalez, putting her in the program record book as she's now tied for the ninth-most homers in a season. 
 
San José State responded with four runs in the top of the fourth to even things up at five runs apiece, but a single by sophomore outfielder jaden Colunga in the fifth scored sophomore infielder Alex Bunton to put USU back on top at 6-5. In the sixth, the Spartans scored two runs for the final lead change of the game, securing the 7-6 win. 
 
In total, the Aggies had 10 hits to SJSU's 13. Seven different USU players recorded hits, led by two-apiece from Fifita, Gonzalez and Colunga. 
 
In the circle, senior Katie Zuniga started the contest and pitched the first 3.2 innings with five earned runs before being relieved in the fourth by redshirt sophomore Denay Smith, who went for 2.2 innings before senior Jessica Stewart finished things off.
 
Up Next
Utah State (22-27, 5-16 MW) wraps up its 2024 campaign tomorrow at noon against San José State at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field. The Aggies will honor their four seniors prior to first pitch. 
 
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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