Utah State softball split two games on Saturday at the Georgia Classic, held at Jack Turner Softball Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The Aggies secured an 8-3 win over Seton Hall before falling 11-2 in five innings to No. 12-ranked Georgia.
In the first game, Utah State broke open a close contest with a seven-run fifth inning against Seton Hall. Senior outfielder Kya Pratt gave the Aggies an early lead with an RBI single in the first inning. Seton Hall tied the game in the fourth, but Utah State responded decisively in the next frame.
Senior catcher Grace Matej started a two-out rally with a single and was brought home by senior infielder Alex Bunton’s two-run home run—her second of the season. Pratt followed with a double and scored after freshman infielder Jazmin Ramirez reached base on an error. After two walks loaded the bases, senior infielder Kenzee Olsen hit her first career home run—a grand slam—to extend Utah State’s lead to seven runs. Seton Hall managed a two-run homer in the seventh, but Utah State closed out the victory.
Senior Emmalyn Brinka earned the win for Utah State, pitching six innings and allowing three earned runs. Freshman Kendall Cochran finished with one scoreless inning.
In their second matchup of the day, Utah State faced No. 12 Georgia and struggled to contain their opponent’s offense early on. The Bulldogs scored nine runs across eight hits during the first two innings—including a grand slam—to take control of the game.
Utah State managed to get on the board in the fourth inning when sophomore Faith Kroening doubled and Matej singled ahead of Pratt’s two-RBI double. However, Georgia added more runs and ultimately secured an 11-2 run-rule victory after five innings.
Freshman Jordyn Lish started for Utah State but allowed three earned runs in less than one inning of work. Senior Sydney Saldaña pitched in relief along with senior Carly Limosnero and freshman Kendall Cochran.
Utah State will conclude its participation at the Georgia Classic tomorrow with another matchup against Seton Hall scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time.
“USU got on the board in the opening frame with senior outfielder Kya Pratt’s two-out, RBI single that drove in sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening.”
“Senior catcher Grace Matej kept the inning alive with a two-out single and was brought home by senior infielder Alex Bunton’s two-run home run, her second of the season, to left field.”
“After two walks, senior infielder Kenzee Olsen launched a grand slam to left field, collecting her first career home run and RBIs.”
“Pratt brought the pair home with a one-out double, a line drive just past the second baseman’s glove and into the gap in right-center.”
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