MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis handed Wichita State its first loss in the series since 2018 with a 4-3 win in the series opener Friday night.

Wichita State (26-24-1, 13-11-1) had won 17 straight vs. the Tigers until Friday's upset.

Brookelyn Livanec had two of the team's six hits, both doubles. Jodie Epperson hit a two-run home run, while Lauren Lucas, Sami Hood and Camryn Compton logged singles.

Ryley Nihart (9-7) went 4.2 innings in the start, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks. Ava Sliger didn't allow a baserunner in relief out of the bullpen.

After three scoreless innings, Wichita State finally opened the scoring in the top of the fourth. Epperson lined a two-run shot just inside the left field foul pole to start the frame. The Shockers then made it 3-0 following Livanec's second double of the night and a Hood bunt single and Memphis throwing error.

Memphis got a run back in the bottom of the fourth on a leadoff infield single and RBI double.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers scored three runs on back-to-back singles to take a 4-3 lead. The first single drove home two with the bases loaded.

That 4-3 lead would hold up, as the Shockers went down in order in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Up Next
Wichita State and Memphis continue the series Saturday at 3 p.m.