The WKU softball team is now 33-12 and 15-6 in Conference USA play after suffering a series sweep by C-USA opponent Louisiana Tech, currently the first-ranked squad in the western division.

The series sweep was the first the Hilltoppers have suffered all season.

WKU dropped the first game of the series 8-0, which was only the second time this season the team has been shut out.

Tech pitcher Preslee Galloway had thrown a no-hitter until freshman Kennedy Sullivan singled in the top of the fifth, but this would be the Hilltoppers’ only hit of the game. Junior Paige Carter was the only other Hilltopper to reach base in the game after reaching on an error in the top of the fourth.

The Lady Techsters held WKU at zero runs while adding eight of their own by the end of the fourth to end the game after five innings.

Junior Kelsey Aikey suffered the loss in the circle, pitching 1.1 innings for WKU before being relieved by sophomore Shelby Nunn, who pitched the final 2.2.

A hot start from the Lady Techsters

led them to sweep Saturday’s doubleheader. They added three runs in the bottom of the first to take the lead early and never trail.

The Hilltoppers outhit the Lady Techsters 8-7 but scored just one run to suffer a 4-1 loss. WKU’s only run came in the top of the fifth when fresh- man Taylor Davis scored on a wild pitch to conclude the scoring for the day.

Sullivan took the loss in the circle, moving to 15-4 overall on the season and 5-2 in conference play. She pitched 0.1 innings before being relieved by Aikey, who pitched the final 5.2 innings and allowed just one run.

Though the Hilltoppers took the lead early in the final game of the series, they suffered a 7-1 loss. Junior Morgan McElroy opened the scoring for the game with a run in the bottom of the third, but the Lady Techsters responded in the bottom of the fourth with two runs to take the lead.

Aikey took another loss in the circle, making her 12-8 on the season as well as 7-4 in conference play. Aikey worked 3.0 innings in which she struck out five batters, allowed two runs on four hits and gave up no walks.

Nunn came in for 3.0 innings of relief work, throwing two strikeouts and allowing five runs off of five hits.

WKU will be back for some home action in a midweek tilt against Murray State on Wednesday before the Hilltoppers take on C-USA opponent Texas-San Antonio this weekend for their final regular-season series.

WKU’s overall record against MSU stands at 5-2 since the first matchup in 2013, but the Hilltoppers suffered a 10-6 loss the last time they faced the Racers.

The game against MSU will conclude non-conference play for the Hilltoppers.

First pitch on Wednesday is set for 5 p.m.

Reporter Sophie Austin can be reached at 270-745-2653 and [email protected].