PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico -- Aaliyah Ruiz retired the first 14 batters she faced and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, propelling Lamar University to a 3-1 victory over Memphis Thursday evening at the Puerta Vallarta College Challenge in Mexico.

Ruiz, a senior, used a mixture of grounders and fly balls to sift through 6.2 innings without allowing a hit. Memphis finally broke through when down to their final chance. After surrendering two hits and a walk, Ruiz gave way to senior Shelby Mixon for the final out. Mixon notched the save on five pitches. 

The offense also started the season off in a positive way. Senior outfielder Aleka Xayaseng hit leadoff and wasted no time, producing a single. Xayaseng would score on an error after sophomore Brooke Davis placed down a sacrifice bunt. Davis would score a run herself in the third inning after Memphis committed two more errors. Freshman outfielder Piper Hankins would score the final tally as a pinch-runner for junior catcher Felixia Hinojosa, who reached base on a single. 

The win marks Lamar University's first season opening victory since 2018 when Big Red defeated Virginia Tech 10-8 in the Sand Dollar Classic.

Lamar University played No.7 Washington in the second game of the opening day doubleheader, losing 12-2. Junior outfielder Audry Fleming blasted a two-run homer over the centerfield wall in the fourth inning, scoring Sam Bean. 

The Cardinals return to action at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Friday night against Rutgers. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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