TYLER, Texas — Against one of the nation's top teams, opportunities came early but never materialized, and No. 5 UT Tyler made sure they didn't get many more.

St. Edward's was limited to three hits and couldn't capitalize on its few scoring chances as the Hilltoppers fell 10-0 in seven innings to open the series on Thursday night.

For a while, it felt like the game might settle into a tight, low-scoring battle. The Hilltoppers put together their best threat in the second inning when KADE NATHMAN and TREVOR SEBEK delivered back-to-back singles, pushing a runner to third with one out. But a lineout double play erased the opportunity before it could take shape — a moment that foreshadowed the night.

UT Tyler broke through in the third, using a solo home run to open the scoring before stringing together situational execution with a balk, a wild pitch, and consecutive RBI singles to build a 3-0 lead.

St. Edward's continued to battle for baserunners, drawing six walks on the night, but couldn't find the timely hit to shift momentum.

The game turned decisively in the fifth.

UT Tyler sent 10 batters to the plate in a six-run inning that stretched the lead to 9-0, highlighted by a two-run double, a run scoring on a wild pitch, and a two-run home run that broke the game open.

From there, the Patriots' pitching staff took over. After allowing three hits through the first four innings, UT Tyler retired nine of the final 11 Hilltoppers, finishing with nine strikeouts and a combined shutout. Nathman accounted for two of St. Edward's three hits and added a stolen base, while Sebek recorded the other knock.

Despite the final score, the Hilltoppers showed flashes early — putting pressure on the bases and turning two double plays defensively — but couldn't sustain it against one of the South Central Region's top clubs.

St. Edward's will look to respond in the next game of the series as it continues its road test in tomorrow's doubleheader.