COLLEGE STATION, Texas. – Utah State softball (1-2, 0-0 MW) picked up its first win of the season Friday morning at the Texas A&M-hosted Aggie Classic, using an eight-run fifth inning to defeat Abilene Christian 9-3. 
 
The Aggies were tasked with rallying in this one, after allowing the Wildcats the first three runs of the contest. Abilene Christian scored on a sacrifice fly in the first inning, then on an error and a groundout in the fourth. USU recorded three hits through the first four innings, then had an offensive explosion in the fifth, bringing eight runs home to erase the deficit and take firm control. 
 
The run began with a full count home run from senior outfielder Ariel Fifita, who continued her outstanding start to the year. Then, a pair of singles from sophomore outfielder Tatum Silva and junior catcher Grace Matej, followed by a base on balls by sophomore infielder Emerson Meggers loaded the bases to set up a game-flipping grand slam to center field by redshirt junior infielder Kaylee Erickson. 
 
Now with a 5-3 USU lead, the Wildcats made a pitching change, but the damage wasn't finished. An error followed by back-to-back walks once again loaded the bases for the Aggies, when Silva delivered a three-RBI single to make it 8-3. Despite being thrown out at second, Silva drove home Fifita, freshman outfielder Faith Kroening and senior infielder Giselle Gonzalez. 
 
Utah State's final shot of the day came in a seventh inning insurance run, a center field home run from Gonzalez to seal the victory. 
 
Fifita went 3-of-4 at the plate in the game for USU, and is now 8-of-12 on the young season. Erickson also hit 3-of-4 today, while Silva and Matej each went 2-of-4. 
 
In the circle, it was junior right-hander Denay Smith getting the start and throwing the first 1.1 innings. She was relieved by junior Rylie Pindel, who faced the final 23 batters in 5.2 innings, recording five strikeouts and allowing just three hits to earn the win. 
 
Up Next
Utah State (1-2, 0-0 MW) remains in College Station for two more games this weekend at the Aggie Classic, including a single contest tomorrow when the Aggies face No. 19 Baylor at 10:30 a.m. (MT). 
 
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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