OREM, Utah — Utah Valley softball lost a heartbreaker in their series finale against the New Mexico State Aggies. After leading 4-1 heading into the top of the seventh, the Aggies rattled off six unanswered runs to escape with the 7-4 victory.

NMSU struck first in the third inning. Devin Elam singled to lead off the inning, and then was bunted over to second. Brooke Saili struck out the next batter, but Paige Knight was able to deliver the two-out knock.

Utah Valley answered with a four-spot in the bottom half of the inning. Britney Moreno and Kassidy Stiles each singled to set the table. Libbie Hawker punched a single up the middle to bring home Moreno, and both runners were able to advance on the throw. 

Jaeden Barajas brought in Stiles on a groundout to third. Angelique Mann then delivered her sixth hit of the week with a two-out RBI double up the alley in left-center. The Aggies looked to be out of the inning when Kalena Shepherd hit a towering fly ball to center, but the fielder misplayed the ball in the wind, allowing Mann to come in to score.

Both sides traded zeroes until the seventh inning. Saili held the Aggies to just one run through the first six frames, but a trio of solo home runs in the seventh tied the game. NMSU would then rally for three more off of Jorja Barrett. 

Utah Valley brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but were unable to capitalize.

The series win means the Wolverines will start 2-1 in WAC play in consecutive seasons for the first time since joining the conference in 2014. 

Utah Valley will close out the homestand with a midweek matchup against in-state rival Weber State on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at UVUStats.com.