KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Top-ranked Tennessee opened its season with a commanding 10-0 victory over Nicholls State on Friday evening at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Volunteers, favored heavily by pregame projections, backed it up with 11 hits while four pitchers combined to limit the Colonels to just two hits in a shutout. Tennessee scored in five different innings, breaking the game open with a two-run homer from Hunter Ford in the fourth.

Stone Lawless homered and doubled, driving in two runs. Ariel Antigua also had two RBIs. Peyton Lacy took the loss for Nicholls State. Tegan Kuhns earned the win for Tennessee.

The Volunteers begin the season 1-0. The Colonels start 0-1. The teams continue their series with a doubleheader Saturday.