AUSTIN, Texas – MORGAN DUFOUR launched a three-run homer in the first inning and LAUREN SLATTEN took it from there in the circle, as St. Edward's defeated Newman, 3-0, Friday afternoon in Heartland Conference play at Diane Daniels Field.
 
St. Edward's (13-9, 3-1 HC) wasted little time getting things started. Back-to-back singles from ALEX MAYFIELD and NICOLE PARNELL started the first inning for the Hilltoppers. Dufour followed with her sixth home run of the season. The sophomore sent a moon shot down the left-field line, and gave the home team a 3-0 lead.
 
Slatten (8-4) was on her game early as she struck out five of the first six batters she faced. She did not allow a hit until the fourth inning when Mikayla Medberry reached on an infield single. The Jets only managed three hits against the junior righthander.
 
Slatten tossed her second shutout of the season, as she struck out 10 Jet batters, while walking just two. It was her third double-digit strikeout performance this year.
 
The Hilltoppers pounded out 10 hits as a team, but after the first inning were unable to plate any of the runners with timely hitting.
 
Mayfield led the offense with three hits. She increased her team-leading batting average to .408. SAMANTHA GILMORE added two hits.
 
Newman falls to 5-13 overall, and 0-1 in conference play.
 
St. Edward's and Newman will resume their series with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is set for noon at Diane Daniels Field. Both games will feature live video and stats on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.