RUSTON, La. – Audrey Pickett threw a complete-game shutout and Madie Green drove home the lone run of the game with a sacrifice fly as Louisiana Tech defeated Southern Miss 1-0 Friday night at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
               
With the victory, Tech (36-18, 16-6 C-USA) remained in a two-way tie for first place with North Texas (16-6 C-USA) with two games remaining. The Mean Green defeated Marshall 1-0 in eight innings Friday night.
               
Tech won its 10^th straight home game and was victorious for the 17^th time in its last 18 contests at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. Game two of the series is Saturday at 12 p.m.
               
"What a great game by both pitchers," said Tech head coach Josh Taylor. "They were both really, really good. This team just continues to find ways to win games. Regardless of the situation, they believe and they execute. We made some big defensive plays late, and Audrey made some big pitches in big moments.
               
"This was a big-time win. We just need to come out tomorrow and take it one pitch at a time just like we did tonight. The group is fun to coach and fun to watch. I hope we have a big crowd. These ladies deserve it."
               
Pickett and Southern Miss's Morgan Leinstock were both phenomenal in the circle for their respective teams. Pickett (24-5) picked up her 24^th win of the season allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out six in 7.0 innings.
               
Leinstock (18-11) allowed one unearned run on five hits and three walks while striking out eight in 6.0 innings of work.
               
The Lady Techsters looked like they would take an early lead, loading the bases with only one out in the first inning on singles by Sierra Sacco and Amanda Gonzalez and a walk by Brooke Diaz. However, Green lined a shot that was caught by Southern Miss third baseman Natalie Taylor who stepped on third to complete the inning-ending double play.
               
Southern Miss (29-21, 9-13 C-USA), who owns wins over Florida and Mississippi State this year, put runners on first and second with one out in the top of the sixth inning. Pickett made one of two huge late defensive plays, snaring a line drive off the bat of Tata Davis that saved a run. Hannah Borden then flied out to end the threat.
               
In the bottom of the sixth, Caroline Easom doubled to left centerfield to open the frame. Pinch runner Olivia Ellingson then moved to third when a bunt by Diaz fell to the ground among a trio of charging Southern Miss defenders and was then thrown away by Leinstock putting runners on the corners.
               
Green then lifted a pitch down the right field line that was caught in foul territory as Ellingson tagged up from third base to give Tech the 1-0 advantage.
               
In the top of the seventh, Jana Lee and Scout Jennings both singled to put runners on first and second with no outs. A sacrifice bunt moved them into scoring position. With one out, Taylor's ground ball to shortstop was fielded by Gonzalez who fired home to get the potential tying run at the plate.
               
Pickett then struck out Lorna Agren for the final out of the game.