RUSTON, La. – A three-run first inning was the difference as Louisiana Tech (1-0) beat Southeast Missouri (0-1), 4-0, in the season-opener for both teams Saturday.
 
La. Tech scored its three runs in the bottom of the first inning where it didn't get a hit. With the bases loaded and two outs, Jordyn Manning and Caroline Easom each walked in a run and Bailey Wright reached on an error to give the Lady Techsters an early advantage.
 
The best opportunities for SEMO came in the second and seventh innings, where it had runners at second and third with one out. However, the Redhawks came up empty on both occasions.
 
Easom drove in La. Tech's other run in the bottom of the third to finish off the win.
 
Brook Melnychuk (1-0) won her first game of the season after working five innings with four strikeouts, three walks and three hits allowed.
 
Emma Hutchinson tossed two scoreless innings to complete the combined shutout.
 
Marisa Davis (0-1) took the loss. Davis struck out two, walked three and gave up four runs on three hits in five innings of work. Delaney Kell added one scoreless inning out of the bullpen.
 
Tatum Gerwitz, Kat Sackett and Aubrie Shore all singled for SEMO's first hits of the year.
 
The Redhawks left nine runners on base and La. Tech stranded eight baserunners.
 
SEMO wraps up its series with the Lady Techsters Sunday. First pitch of a doubleheader is set for 12 p.m., CT.