Bowling Green, Ky. — A three-run first inning for the Western Kentucky University softball team was just enough to lead them to victory and a series win over #14 Louisiana-Lafayette 3-2 in a Sun Belt Conference matchup Wednesday afternoon at the WKU Softball Complex.

After giving up two runs to start the contest, WKU (14-16, 2-6 SBC play) responded with a leadoff double from Rachelle Boucher as she later scored on a wild pitch. Then Lindsay Antone smacked a two-run home run — that scored Brittney Perry — to put the Toppers back in front 3-2.

That is all of the offense either team would manage as both pitchers controlled the rest of the game. Jennifer Kempf (5-6) pitched the complete game and earned her second victory over ULL in two days. She gave up eight hits, two runs and struckout four. Ashley Brignac (14-6) took the loss after striking out 11 batters and allowing just three hits.

Karli Hubbard led Louisiana (21-10, 3-2 SBC) on offense after a 4-for-4 outing and Holly Tankersley went 2-for-2. The Toppers collected runs from Boucher, Perry and Antone as Boucher, Antone, Rebecca Horesky and Shelby Smith each tallied a hit.

The Hilltoppers will now face SBC member Troy for a three-game set starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m. (CDT). On Sunday, the single game against the Trojans at 1 p.m. will be Youth Softball Day and all team members will be allowed in the game for free.