DES MOINES, Iowa- Kara L'Huillier's second inning solo homer proved to be the difference as No. 7 Wichita State (22-30) defeated No. 6 Drake (32-22), 1-0, behind a strong pitching performance by Kasha Kolb in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Buel Field.

DU starter Brynne Dordel racked up 11 strikeouts and allowed just two hits, L'Huillier's homer and an infield single to Kersti Rowan, but it was not enough as she fell to 15-10 on the season.

Dordel retired the first four Shockers she faced before L'Huillier took the first pitch she saw over the wall in left-center for her third home run of the season to give the lead.

"Runs are usually at a premium in tournament play so any time you can jump ahead it's a huge plus," Head Coach Mike Perniciaro said. "Dordel was throwing a lot of first pitch strikes and Kara jumped on that first good pitch and hit it out into the wind. As a senior, Kara stepped up and came up with some big defensive plays and a big hit."

The proved to be enough offense to back WSU starter Kasha Kolb. Kolb allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out six in improving to 16-18 on the season.

"I thought she (Kolb) threw awesome today," Perniciaro said. "She only gave up a few hard hit balls. She's had some success against Drake in the past and the defense behind her came up big when we needed them to."

That defense helped Kolb get out of a jam in the fourth, when DU put runners on second and third with just one out. Carrie Hatfield attempted to lay down a bunt but popped it up. Lauren Coleman charged in from third to make the catch and Kolb got Molly McClelland to ground out to second to end the inning.

Kolb cruised in the final three innings, retiring the last seven batters she faced.

With the win, Wichita State advances to play No. 3 Creighton at 6:30 p.m. The winner of that game will advance to play No. 2 Illinois State tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.