EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE softball scored four unearned runs in the first inning and cruised to a 4-1 victory Friday over Loyola at Cougar Field.

SIUE continues play at its home tournament, the Cougar Invite, with two games Saturday. The Cougars face St. Thomas at 5 p.m. and Illinois State at 7:30 p.m.

"I liked how our offense came out hot and capitalized on the miscues in the first inning before (Loyola pitcher Andie) Broniewicz settled in," said SIUE Head Coach Ben Sorden.

Loyola, 6-7, committed three errors in the opening frame.

Kelsey Ray collected the victory for the Cougars and improved to 4-2. Rylie Pindel tossed a scoreless seventh inning and recorded her third save of the season.

"Kelsey gave us a solid start today scattering four hits and striking out seven," said Sorden. "She's really done a nice job. It was good to see Riley come in and get a couple strikeouts in the seventh."

SIUE, 7-7, finished with six hits, including two from Kaylynn Salyars.

"Salyars's going 2 for 2 today was good to see," said Sorden. "Anna Henderson had a nice pinch hit single as well."