MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Audrey Pickett worked seven strong innings to lead Louisiana Tech to a 5-1 win over Middle Tennessee in the first game of a the three-game series at Blue Raiders Softball Field Friday evening.

Amanda Gonzalez registered a three-hit night and was one of four Lady Techsters with multiple hits as Tech won for the 13^th time in its last 16 Conference USA games.

With the win, Tech (33-17, 13-6) moved into a three-way tie for second place in the Conference USA standings with Marshall and WKU, one and a half games behind North Texas.

Tech waisted little time in jumping out to a lead, plating two runs on three hits in the first inning. Sierra Sacco singled, stole second and then scored on Gonzalez's single to left field. One out later, Gonzalez scored on Brooke Diaz's RBI single to centerfield.

Middle Tennessee (19-29, 6-13) responded in the bottom of the first, plating an unearned run on two hits and a Tech error to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Kylie Neel doubled with two outs in the second inning and then scored on a Sacco RBI single to left field, upping the Tech lead to 3-1.

In the fourth inning, Katelin Cooper singled and then scored on a Neel triple to right field. Gonzalez drove Neel home with an RBI double to right field as the Tech lead grew to 5-1.

Pickett stayed in control over the final four innings, working three perfect frames while working around a pair of base runners in the sixth inning.

Pickett (22-5) picked up the win, allowing one unearned run on six hits and no walks while striking out three in the victory.

Gonzalez (3-4, 2 RBI), Sacco (2-4, 2 SB, run, RBI), Diaz (2-4, RBI) and Neel (2-2, RBI, run) led Tech's 12-hit attack.

The two teams will play game two Saturday at 4 p.m.