Aggie home runs spur softball team’s win over Bengals
The softball team started off its competition-clad week with a two-game sweep of Idaho State University for Lexy Perry Day at the LeRee and LeGrand Johnson Field. Lexy Perry, senior starting pitcher, was recognized for her contribution to the softball program along with six of her teammates who will be graduating following the season. Each senior has been given her own day at the field for a home game this season.
Game one began slowly, reaching a score of 1-0 as the second inning came to a close. Junior shortstop Tara Evans made it home to give the Aggies their opening lead with a single to right field, a third base steal and the first scoring run.
“It was good to see them play relaxed but confident,” Head Coach Candi Letts said. “When they do those things, they’re a fun team to watch. I think the kids really enjoy being on the field, and I think that gives the crowd a chance to really get to feel the players’ personalities.”
USU increased its lead to 2-0 with sophomore first baseman Aubrie Stroman doubling to right field and coming home after freshman outfielder Emily Reilly hit a single.
Junior third baseman Amy Schaible shot off the first home run of the day, giving her 10 home runs on the season, which ties the program’s single season record. The Aggies also broke the school record for home runs in a season, and Letts said it’s good that the hits have been from a variety of players.
“I was really happy for the kids,” Letts said. “We had good pitching, good hitting and good defense. When those three work together, it’s usually a good day.”
The Bengals had four hits for the game and no runs, allowing the Aggies to win with a final score of 5-0. Sophomore pitcher Lindsey Benson stepped up to help with the Aggie win by only allowing those four hits. Between Benson’s pitching and team starters bringing the heat, USU caught a team-effort win, Letts said.
“I feel like she’s pitching real hot,” Letts said. “We need to keep her hot. We need to get her on the mound and have the ball. She did a good job, and I think she set the pace for us and then let our bats talk after that.”
Game two for the Aggies started with a bang as four hitters made their way home in the first inning alone. Senior outfielder Ashley Bellum and Evans hit home runs bringing in two runs each.
From there, both teams managed to keep each other at bay for almost three innings, but it was Evans stealing home that pulled the Aggies to a 5-0 lead. Evans was followed home by Reilly to bring the score to 6-0. When the fifth inning came around, Bengal sophomore and third baseman Heather Dixon hit a home run, bringing in the only run ISU would see all day. Ending the game in inning five almost the same as they started, the Aggies scored four runs for a final score of 10-2. USU now moves to 17-27 on the regular season.
“This team, sometimes they fight with their own lack of confidence,” Letts said. “But when they play like they can, good things happen, and the bats never cooled off.” USU will be traveling to Salt Lake City on Wednesday to face off against the University of Utah for their third game this week, and it won’t end there. The Aggies will also be facing the University of Hawaii on April 27 and 28.
“Utah has to prove that they can beat us,” Letts said. “I think that’s more the standard. Our kids can only gain more learning and good things from playing those teams right now. And I think that’s where we want to be when we go to the conference tournament.”
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