LAS VEGAS – Utah State softball (16-24, 5-10 MW) fell in the first contest of a two-game league series against UNLV Saturday afternoon at Eller Media Stadium in Las Vegas, losing 7-4. 

The first runs of the day didn't come until the fourth inning, as the sides combined for just three hits in the first three innings. In the fourth, the Rebels got on the board with a three-run home run. The Aggies answered quickly, however, taking the lead with four runs in the top of the fifth. Following a pair of singles and a walk, freshman infielder Kate Vance came home on a fielder's choice. A single from senior outfielder Kya Pratt followed to score another, followed by RBI singles for senior infielder Alex Bunton and senior catcher Grace Matej to go up 4-3. 

In the bottom of the fifth, the Rebels scored four runs of their own on five hits, scoring first on a fielder's choice, then scoring on a three-run home run for the second time of the day. 

In total, the Aggies had eight hits with one error and six left on base. Vance led USU at the plate with a 3-for-3 showing, while Bunton went 2-for-3.

Utah State utilized four pitchers, with freshman Kendall Cochran getting the start and throwing the first 3.2 innings. Seniors Sydney Saldaña and Rylie Pindel combined to face the next seven batters, before freshman Jordyn Lish took the final 2.0 innings. 

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Utah State (16-24, 5-10 MW) will remain in Las Vegas for the second and final game of the series against the Rebels tomorrow afternoon, playing at 1 p.m. (MT) on Mountain West Network. 

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.

- USU -