RUSTON, LA. - The University of Hawai`i softball team split a doubleheader at Louisiana Tech today winning the first game, 3-0, and dropping the nightcap, 4-1, at the Lady Techsters Softball Complex.

In the opener, UH right-handed pitcher Sheri Oronoz (16-8) tossed a three-hit shutout as she struckout one and walked one pushing her WAC mark to 4-1.

UH right fielder Denise Dahlberg had a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate and scored two of UH's three runs.

Oronoz also helped her cause picking up UH's only RBI in the game in the second driving home Dahlberg.

Louisiana Tech starter Lindsey Meadows (11-7) took the loss giving up one earned run while striking out two.

In the second game, UH's Melissa Coogan (9-7) suffered her first defeat in the conference dropping her WAC mark to 4-1.

The Lady Techsters touched her up for five hits and four runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings. Reliever Shannon Tabion came in and no-hit La. Tech the final 1.1 innings.

UH took a 1-0 lead in the third as Tracie Uchima singled to left, moved to second on Natalie Gonzales' sacrifice bunt, and scored on a sacrifice fly to deep right center field. La. Tech's right fielder Melissa Johnson grabbed the deep shot off the bat of Stacie Hirano with her momentum carrying her to the base of the wall, the relay then came to second baseman Lindsay Brownson, who has the weakest arm in the infield, and Uchima beat the throw by two steps.

The Lady Techsters then took the lead for good with two runs in the fourth on RBI doubles by Casey Reiff and Bonnie Wilson. Then La. Tech capped the scoring with two more runs in the fifth highlighted by a wild pitch and a throwing error.

The two teams complete the series with a WAC doubleheader Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. HST.