LAKE CHARLES--  No. 17 LSU softball scored four runs on two hits in the first inning on its way to a 9-3 win over McNeese Tuesday night at Cowgirl Diamond to improve to 13-4 on the season.  The loss drops McNeese to 12-6 overall.

McNeese freshman pitcher Brookelyn Taylor struggled to find the strike zone, allowing four runs on five walks in the 10 batters she faced in the first inning.  Taylor had allowed only seven walks entering tonight's the game.  The loss is her first of the season (4-1) after tossing 2 1/3 innings and giving up four hits, seven walks , seven runs and one strikeout.

The Cowgirls used two other pitchers in the game.  Kynlei Chapman and Maddie Taylor also pitched 2 1/3 innings apiece.  Chapman allowed two runs on five hits and walked three while Taylor allowed one hit and one walk.

LSU's Jayden Heavener improved to 5-2 on the season with the complete game.  Heavener allowed three runs on six hits, walks seven and struck out 11.

Six different Cowgirls picked up one hit apiece.  Maddie Taylor and Corine Poncho's hits were doubles.

LSU extended its lead to 7-0 in the third with three runs then threatened to end the game via run rule by taking an 8-0 lead in the fourth, but the Cowgirls scored a run in the bottom of the fourth to avoid the shutout when Maddie Taylor crossed the plate before LSU was able to complete a double play to end the inning.

The Tigers got that run back in the fifth inning on a Jalia Lassiter RBI single for a 9-1 lead.

Nyjah Fontenot hit her second homerun of the season, a two-run homerun in the bottom of the fifth for the second and final run of the game for McNeese.

McNeese stranded seven runners, and the Tigers stranded 11.

McNeese will remain home to host Iowa this Thursday.  First pitch is set for 3 p.m.