CATHEDIRAL CITY, CALIF. – The New Mexico State softball team played No. 14 Michigan close but came up short as the Aggies fell 5-4 on Friday.

NM State came out hot against the Wolverines to start the game. Rachel Rodriguez hit a leadoff single for the Aggies. After she stole second, Rodriguez was driven home by Kelsey Horton to give NM State the 1-0 advantage.

Michigan took the 2-1 lead in the third inning but the Aggies fought back. In the top of the fourth, NM State was able to load the bases with no outs in the inning, With Merina Ili at the plate, Michigan's pitcher hit the Aggies' designated player to score a run NM State. The Wolverines walked in two more batters to give New Mexico State the 4-2 advantage.

A three-run homer in the sixth inning spoiled the Aggies upset bid as the Wolverines took the 5-4 lead. NM State was unable to rally in the seventh and fell 5-4 to the ranked Wolverines.

Samaria Diaz takes the loss to move to 2-3 as the Aggies fall to 4-7. Michigan moves to 7-3 with the win.

New Mexico State looks to bounce back on Saturday at the Mary Nutter Classic. NM State takes on Oklahoma State at 11 a.m.