HOUSTON, Texas – Houston took advantage of some miscues to score three unearned runs and Cougars pitcher McKenna Fryar tossed a two-hit shutout as the Cougars defeated Louisiana Tech 4-0 Friday evening.

Tech (2-8) recorded just two hits – one each by Mary Terral and Marilyn Rizzato – as the Lady Techsters dropped their opening game in the Cougar Challenge.

Houston scored one run in the first, one in the third and two more in the fifth to down LA Tech, which will return to action Saturday with games against Texas Tech (9 a.m.) and Syracuse (11:30 a.m.).

Audrey Pickett (0-4) took the loss in the circle, allowing two runs – one earned – on six hits and two walks over 3.1 innings of action. Hannah Koenig came on in relief and allowed two runs – zero earned – on two hits and two walks in the final 2.2 innings of action.