LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — Houston Christian defeated McNeese State 3-1 on Friday in the first game of a Southland Conference doubleheader at Sudduth Coliseum.

The Huskies (7-7) scored twice in the second inning and added a run in the ninth. McNeese State (6-7) managed just one run on six hits, scoring in the third inning on an RBI single by Hayden Stringfellow that plated Bryce Fontenot. Houston Christian pitchers held the Cowboys scoreless over the final six innings.

McNeese State starter Cooper Golden took the loss, allowing two earned runs over five innings. The result defied pregame projections that heavily favored the Cowboys.