GULF SHORES, Ala. – The fourth-ranked Lindsey Wilson softball team split its first two games of the Gulf Coast Invitational on Friday at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

The Blue Raiders (9-2) opened the day with a 3-0 win over Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), but followed with an 8-2 defeat at the hands of NCAA Division II member Spring Hill (Ala.) in the nightcap.

Lindsey Wilson was locked in a pitcher's duel in the first game of the day against the Lions (1-2).

Starting pitchers Casey Bryan and Mallory Spurlock both threw four scoreless innings to begin the game, shutting down the opposing offense.

The Blue Raiders were finally able to get to Spurlock in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Chelsea Showers opened the inning with a solo home run, and Travatia Bowden later delivered a two-out single that scored both Sydney Fourman and Bailey Mize for the 3-0 lead.

The three runs would be plenty for Bryan (3-1) in the circle as she limited the Lion offense to just five hits while recording the complete-game shutout victory.

Spurlock (1-1) took the loss for the Lions giving up the three runs on eight hits.

In the nightcap, the Blue Raider offense began hot, but quickly faded as the game progressed.

Andrea Whelan and Amanda Trampe hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the first to give Lindsey Wilson a quick 2-0 lead.

The Badgers (12-3) answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half on the inning, and took the lead in the bottom of the second using a pair of singles to score the go-ahead run.

Spring Hill then blew things open in the bottom of the fourth, plating five runs to take an 8-2 lead.

Lindsey Wilson just never managed to get things going again against starting Badger pitcher Caroline Sagrera (9-2) who allowed just one more hit after the initial two home runs in the first inning.

Lyndsey Parden (3-1) suffered the loss giving up seven runs, all earned, on 10 hits.

Lindsey Wilson now faces Benedictine-Springfield (Ill.) and Thomas (Ga.) on the second day of the invitational on Saturday.