PINEVILLE, La. – McMurry University softball opened its three-game series at Louisiana College by suffering a 9-1 loss at Wildcat Park. The loss dropped the War Hawks to 7-19 overall (3-12 ASC), while the Wildcats improved to 13-11 (11-5 ASC).

LC jumped out to the early lead by scoring twice each in the first and second innings, while adding three more in the third. Buoyed by a 7-0 lead, McMurry went through the first three inning without a hit versus Wildcats starter Savannah Settle.

In the fourth, however, the War Hawks finally broke through in the hit column and on the scoreboard. Rachel Ripley slapped a single to center to lead off the frame, taking second on a ground out. With one down, Kayla Otis ripped a double down the rightfield line that drove home Ripley, 7-1.

Unfortunately for the visiting McM squad, that would be their last hits of the contest. McMurry's only other baserunner the rest of the game was pinch hitter Eva Pourcio, who was hit by a pitch with two out in the fifth.

In the circle, Kamwren Jackson went 2.0 innings, allowing seven of the Wildcats' 17 hits. Jackson was charged with four runs, three of which were earned. Cheyenne West took over in the third inning and gave up five runs (four earned).

In the bottom of the sixth, LC reached the eight-run rule to end the contest. LC had four-consecutive hits to plate the winning runs, 9-1.

The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday (11 a.m.) to close out the series.