GULF SHORES, Ala. – An RBI single by shortstop Lonnie Groves in the second inning proved to be the difference Friday afternoon as Rockhurst came away with a 1-0 shutout win over Midwestern State in the Gulf Coast Invitational.

Senior third baseman Katelyn Vinson led Midwestern State (3-4) with a 4-for-4 performance at the plate to help the Mustangs out-hit Rockhurst (1-0), 7-4. However, the Mustangs were unable to get a hit when it mattered most, leaving 10 runners stranded for the game.

In the top of the first, back-to-back singles and a groundout put runners in scoring position with two outs for the Mustangs before another groundout ended the early threat.

After MSU left two on again in the second, a leadoff single from Rockhurst left fielder Caroline Lipp put a runner on for the Hawks. Lipp advanced to second o nthe play before moving to third on a groundout. Groves then brought Lipp home with her single to center field to put the Hawks ahead 1-0.

The Hawks looked to extend their lead in the fifth as a single and two MSU errors put three on with no outs for Rockhurst. However, the Mustangs were able to get the force out at home before sophomore catcher Kara Tilton and junior left fielder Taylor Bermudes recorded outs to help the Mustangs escape the inning.

The Mustangs left two more on in the top of the seventh as a grounder to short left Bermudes and freshman pinch runner Makenzi Harris stranded to end the game.

Junior pitcher Tayler Jerrick (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three. Bridgette Sappington earned the season-opening win for the Hawks, giving up seven hits and two walks while fanning three.