AUSTIN, Texas. – The Wichita State softball team scored five runs on eight hits to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies 5-2 to close out the Texas Invitational.

The Hokies struck first in the second inning after a throwing error got a runner to first with two walks loading the bases. Hailey Martinez replaced Bailey Klitzke in the circle with two smart plays at home plate getting out of the inning with minimal damage. First Mackenzie Wright threw to home to tag out a runner on a fielders choice before a single into left field got a Hokie home. But in the same play a huge throw from Morgan Palmer reached Madison Perrigan behind the plate who tagged the second runner at home for the third out and get out the jam.

In the third the Shocker bats took over as they went through the entire batting lineup. Bailee Nickerson led off being hit by a pitch with Wright singling into center field and Ryleigh Buck reaching on an error to load the bases. Asea Webber then drew a walk to tie the game before Caitlin Bingham singled through the left to get two home and give the Shockers the lead for good. Perrigan then doubled down the right line to get Webber around and push the lead to 4-1.

Four became five in the next inning with Nickerson leading off with an infield single. Buck singled into right field to get Nickerson to third with Laurie Derrico reaching first on an error and Nickerson scoring on the play.

Both teams came up blank in the fifth and sixth. Bingham pitched the final inning, giving up two hits and a run to cut the lead to 5-2 but struck out the last batter to end the game.

Martinez (1-0), threw 4.2 innings, a career and season high, striking out one to get the win. Wichita State move to an even 7-7 on the season and now look towards a matchup against Nebraska next weekend who are receiving votes in the USA Today/NFCA Poll. The three-game series will feature a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game on Sunday in Lincoln.