Utah State softball lost its home opener to Idaho State, 13-2, in a five-inning game on March 10 at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field.
The loss marks a challenging start for the Aggies, who now hold a 10-14 record as they prepare to begin Mountain West play. The team struggled to capitalize on early opportunities, leaving runners on base in the first two innings before Idaho State took control of the game.
Idaho State broke the scoreless tie with five runs in the third inning and added six more in the fourth. The Bengals scored another two runs in the fifth before Utah State responded. Sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening hit her first home run of the season to put Utah State on the scoreboard. Senior catcher and infielder Grace Matej and freshman infielder Jazmin Ramirez followed with singles, allowing senior outfielder Kya Pratt to bring in another run with a sacrifice fly. Despite this effort, Idaho State secured victory by closing out the inning with two fielder’s choice outs.
Senior pitcher Rylie Pindel started for Utah State, pitching three innings with one strikeout and six runs allowed. Freshman pitcher Kendall Cochran pitched less than an inning, recording one strikeout but allowing five runs. Freshman Jordyn Lish faced two batters and recorded one out, while senior Carly Limosnero finished the game with one inning pitched and two runs allowed.
Utah State will open Mountain West conference play next weekend against Fresno State from March 13-15.
