HAMMOND, La. – Southeast Missouri (1-1) committed five errors in a 6-2 loss to Southeastern Louisiana (1-0) Friday night in the Lion Classic.
 
SEMO split two games in its first day of the event that also includes tournament host SELA, Nicholls and Alabama A&M.
 
The Redhawks shaky defense led to five unearned runs for the Lions and that was the difference.
 
Lexi Johnson reached on an error to lead off the second inning and later scored giving SELA a 1-0 lead.
 
An inning later, the Lions scored three more with the help of two additional Redhawk mishaps. After Lindsey Rizzo and Madison Rayner both singled, Madisen Blackford reached on an error to load the bases. Lexi Johnson knocked in a run on a fielder's choice. Then, Johnson and Rayner touched home on an error to increase the Lions lead to 4-0.
 
Kat Sackett delivered a RBI-single and Aubrie Shore scored Kaylee Anderson on an infield hit to get SEMO on the board and make it a 4-2 game in the top of the fourth.
 
But, another two errors led to a pair of unearned runs as SELA put its win on ice in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Preseason All-Southland Conference pitcher Heather Zumo (1-0) was credited with the win. Zumo struck out three, walked one and allowed two runs on three hits in 4.2 innings.
 
Marisa Davis (0-1) took the loss. Davis also worked 4.2 innings, where she struck out two and gave up six runs on four hits. Only one of those tallies was earned.
 
SELA edged SEMO, 5-4, in hits. 
 
Sackett went 2-for-3 with a RBI to lead the Redhawks.
 
SEMO resumes play with two more games at the Lion Classic Saturday. The Redhawks face Nicholls at 1 p.m., CT and SELA at 3 p.m.