RUSTON, La.  – Missouri State softball fell to 2-7 on the season with a 2-0 loss to open the series at Louisiana Tech (7-1) on Friday night. 
 
The Bears threatened immediately in this one, getting their first two batters of the game on base via an infield single and a fielder's choice. A sacrifice bunt pushed both runners into scoring position with one out, but Missouri State was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. 
 
The Bulldogs carried that early momentum from stranding two Bears into the home half of the inning, knocking a leadoff triple to right field. The next Louisiana Tech batter sent a single through the middle to score the only run the Bulldogs would eventually need. 
 
Two innings later, Louisiana Tech tacked on an insurance run after sending a two-out, RBI double to left center field to give the home team a 2-0 lead after three. 
 
From there, the Bears offense mustered just one hit over the final four innings as MSU would go on to fall 2-0 in the series-opener against the Bulldogs.  
 
Defensively, Missouri State held Louisiana Tech in check down the stretch, allowing just one hit over the final three innings, to keep the Bears within striking distance throughout the entire game. Despite the loss, Gracie Johnston tossed a complete game, allowing just two earned runs on six hits, while striking out five Bulldogs. 
 
Abby Ford, Chloe Merced and Kayla Ulrich accounted for MSU's three hits in the contest. 
 
Missouri State and Louisiana Tech will face off again tomorrow (Feb. 24) in a doubleheader at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. Game one of the doubleheader is set to begin at 1 p.m.