SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College softball team fell 8-0 in the series opener against No. 4-ranked Texas Lutheran on Friday evening at Old Settlers Park, as the Bulldogs took advantage of four 'Roo errors to score seven unearned runs in the game.

The game was scoreless through two innings before the Bulldogs plated six runs in the third to take a 6-0 lead, as Austin College committed three errors in the frame to open the door for the big inning for TLU. Another error in the fourth enabled Texas Lutheran to plate two more, pushing the margin to 8-0, and the 'Roos were unable to get anything going offensively to mount a comeback bid. 

The 'Roos were limited to one hit in the loss, with Hailie Swiatkowski belting a double, but that would wind up being the only baserunner of the game for Austin College. TLU's Ashlyn Strother went the distance to pick up the win, striking out 10 batters in 5.0 innings of work, while AD Smith absorbed the loss after giving up eight runs, only one of which was earned, on eight hits in 5.0 innings in the circle. Reagan Hillis went 2-for-3 with two RBI to pace the Bulldogs at the dish.

Austin College and Texas Lutheran will wrap up their weekend series on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.