Final Stats

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech (5-2) kicked off the 2016 LA Tech Invitational with a pair of wins on Friday afternoon at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

In their first games on the newly installed artificial turf, Louisiana Tech knocked off Abilene Christian (0-6) 4-1 and Belmont (0-5), 2-0.

The Lady Techster pitching on Friday was nothing short of dominant as sophomore Bailey Allen and freshman Preslee Gallaway both provided complete game victories for their squad.

Bailey Allen got the nod in game one as Louisiana Tech squared off with Abilene Christian (0-6). The Pineville native tossed seven innings and gave up just four hits to the Wildcats. Abilene's lone run came in the sixth inning on a solo homerun by Brianna Barnhill.

"Bailey did a really good job of grinding it out," head coach Mark Montgomery said. "Her pitches were not as sharp, but she found a way to get us the result that we needed. You cannot ask any more from your pitcher than that."

At the plate Louisiana Tech got on the board in the second inning when Krysta Tutsch homered down the right field line to put the Lady Techsters on top 1-0.

LA Tech added to their run total in the fourth inning when Charters and Turkoly both singled to open the frame. Tutsch once against provided the offense, singling up the middle to score Charters and increase the lead to 2-0.

The Lady Techsters got some insurance in the sixth inning. After Page and Tutsch both reached based to start the inning, pinch runner Katelynn Cook bolted home on the suicide squeeze attempt. Katie Smith laid down a perfect bunt and Cook slid under the tag to give Tech a 3-0 lead.

Berkley Calapp followed with a sacrifice fly to drive home the Lady Techsters fourth and final run of the ball game.

Allen continued to keep the Wildcats in check and secured a 4-1 victory for Louisiana Tech.

It was a quick turnaround for the Lady Techsters who faced off with Belmont immediately following the game.

Gallaway took to the circle, hoping to duplicate an incredible string of performances in Gulf Shores, Ala. at the Sand Dollar Classic. She did not disappoint.

The Bruins did not record their first hit until there was an out in the fourth inning and that hit was a bloop single just in front of a diving Anna Cross in right field.

"Preslee was in command; there was only one inning that she had us a little nervous," Montgomery said. "She did a good job of scattering hits and when we need the double play ball, Preslee is good at delivering that."

Louisiana Tech wasted no time jumping out to an early lead. In her first plate appearance since an injury sidelined her for the majority of the Sand Dollar Classic, Kristen Miles drew a walk and flashed her speed immediately taking second base. Morgan Turkoly singled her home and LA Tech held a 1-0 lead.

Gallaway's performance was needed as the Lady Techsters only other scoring came on Anna Cross' towering solo home run that cleared the scoreboard in center field.

After one weekend Louisiana Tech was top-10 in the nation in double plays turned and the double play ball was once again a huge factor for the Lady Techsters.

LA Tech turned three double plays in the contest as Smith, Karlee Jensen and Pauline Tufi all had a hand in the double play action.

"We have to credit both Abilene Christian and Belmont," Montgomery said. "Both of their pitchers did a good job against our lineup. We have to do better. We have to make better adjustments at the plate. When we have runners on in scoring position, we have to find a way to get them in."

The Lady Techsters are back in action with a pair of games tomorrow. At 9:15 a.m. Louisiana Tech faces off with Mississippi Valley State before squaring off with Houston Baptist at 6 p.m.