Box Score

RUSTON, La. - Starting pitcher Bianca Duran gave up five runs on eight hits and Louisiana Tech (0-1) never held a lead as the Lady Techsters fell in the season opener, 9-5, to Louisiana-Monroe (1-0) Thursday afternoon in the first game of the Lady Techster Invitational in Ruston.

The Warhawks scored on a wild pitch off Duran (0-1) in the first inning and never relinquished the lead as both teams opened the 2015 season.

Anna Cross led the host Lady Techsters with two RBI, both of which came on a single to center in the fifth inning as LA Tech got on the board for the first time. Tech would add three more runs in the bottom of the seventh before the rally would fall short.

Paige Porter (1-0) was credited with the win after holding LA Tech at bay for most of her 4.2 innings pitched, allowing only two runs on five hits while striking out three.

After scoring on a wild pitch in the first, ULM added to its early lead in the second inning with an RBI double down the left field line by Sidney Coy, plating Cheyanne Lyon. ULM would add two more to its tally in the fourth with a two-run double to left center by Miyuki Navarrete. Lyon would push the lead to 5-0 for ULM in the next inning with an RBI single.

After Cross's single cut the lead to 5-2, the Warhawks responded with a three-run home run to left center by Amye Barre in the top of the sixth, putting the lead out of reach. ULM would add one more run in the top of the seventh with a solo home run by Faith Bohack.

Tech's rally fell short after the Lady Techsters would only manage three runs in the seventh. Pinch runner Kristen Miles would score from second as Anna Cross reached on a throwing error and Katelynn Cook hit a two-run home run in the next at bat. Haylie Wilson then relieved Jessica Colliver in the circle - after Colliver allowed three runs on two hits - and retired the final two batters of the game.

The Lady Techster Invitational resumes Friday at 9:30 a.m. with Abilene Christian facing Missouri State at the Lady Techster Softball Complex in Ruston. Louisiana Tech returns to action Friday at 2 p.m., hosting SIUE while ULM will face Missouri State at 4:15 p.m.

For complete coverage of Lady Techster Softball, please follow @LATechSB on Twitter and visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.