Aggies’ slump continues with non-conference loss at BYU

PROVO, Utah – The Utah State University softball team lost its final non-conference game of the season, falling  9-1 in a six-inning battle versus rival BYU. 

The starter for the Aggies was ace Kapri Toone. Toone, who was 12-7 on the year coming into the game, has had a rough stretch of outings. She has taken the loss in five of her last six games with a pitching decision, with the lone win coming against No. 22 San Diego State. 

Toone was relieved after one inning in which she surrendered five hits, four runs, one strikeout and a walk. 

Despite the loss to the Cougars and falling in nine of their last 11 matchups, the Aggies aren’t done with their season yet.

“We’ve been competitive in these last few series. It has been a big step from the last couple of years,” said head coach Steve Johnson. “We are going to finish strong and having a winning season is the goal.”

Utah State was in contention for the Mountain West softball championship after starting the conference season 7-0, but losing seven of their last nine will prevent the Aggies from taking the conference crown. 

The focus heading into the final series against San Jose State is to end with a winning record. 

“It’s a big goal for us with the conference title not being in play,” Johnson said

What’s been the storyline for the losing streak is the lack of runs. The Aggies have scored three runs or fewer in 10 of their last 11 games, and it has been brought to Johnson’s attention. 

“We’ve got to score runs. We had some good opportunities tonight to score,” Johnson said. “We are going to focus on that heading into the last series.”

The Aggies left four runners on base and had a running error in the fourth inning that would have resulted in runners on first and second with two outs, but the runner at second was called out just after a run scored. A Sydnee Smith fielder’s choice would be the only run the Aggies would get on the day. 

A bright spot heading into the last series is junior pitcher Alyssa Millemon. Millemon pitched 4 1/3 innings in relief for the Aggies and had a stretch of three innings where she only gave up one hit. The Cougars posted two big innings on Millemon and she ended with nine hits, five runs and two strikeouts.

“I am really proud of Alyssa, she found something in the last week of practice and it showed,” Johnson said.

Johnson also revealed that freshman pitcher Mia Reynolds suffered a concussion last week, which is why her pitching has been limited. 

Bri Lerma set the program’s season record in hit by pitches as she took two in the loss.

Senior Emily Tidd accounted for half of the Aggies’ hits, going 2-2 with two singles on the day.

The Aggies dropped to a 26-27 record on the year, falling below a .500 win percentage.

Utah State will end the regular season at home with a series against San Jose State, highlighted by senior day on Saturday. 

The Aggies will have to win two of three against the Spartans to finish at or above .500 for the third time since 1996.