MOBILE, Ala. – Freshman Jordyn Manning recorded three hits and Jenny Chapman pitched 2.1 strong innings of relief but Louisiana Tech fell 5-4 to Evansville Friday afternoon in the first day of the South Alabama Jaguar Classic.

Tech jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Zoe Hicks led the game off with a single and then scored after Manning singled and Evansville committed an error, giving Tech the 1-0 lead. A second Aces error in the first inning with two outs allowed Manning to score the second run of the frame.

Evansville answered with one in the first and second innings and three more in the fourth against Tech starter Audrey Pickett as the Aces built a 5-2 advantage.

Tech answered with a single run in the top of the fifth as Manning singled and came around to score on an RBI double by Lindsay Edwards. In the top of the sixth, Madie Green walked with one out and moved to third on a two-out single by Bayli Simon. Manning then drove home a run with a single to left field as Tech cut the deficit to 5-4.

Chapman entered in the bottom of the fourth inning, working the final 2.1 innings while allowing just one hit while striking out three in her first appearance of the season.

Tech had one last chance in the top of the seventh inning, putting runners on first and second with two outs before Evansville recorded the final out of the game.

Tech will return to action Saturday with contests against Austin Peay (10 a.m.) and Evansville (12:15 p.m.).