GULF SHORES, Ala. - Faulkner opened pool play in the annual Gulf Coast Invitational softball tournament here this afternoon with a 4-2 victory over Embry-Riddle, but a pair of unearned runs helped carry St. Thomas (Fla.) to the 3-1 win in the second event of the day.

Natalie Walker (2-1) was aces again in the circle for Faulkner in Game 1. The senior carried a no-hitter through five innings and allowed just three hits while putting away six at the plate in the win. Neither run was earned.

The Lady Eagles held a 3-0 lead by the fourth inning of the opener before Embry-Riddle narrowed the gap with a two-run fifth. Faulkner struck again in the sixth, however, to secure the win.

Amanda Seales was on point for the Lady Eagles again going 2-for-3 with two RBIs which included a solo shot to left field.

Morgan Martin was also 2-for-3 while Abbie Pierce went 2-for-4.

Faulkner struggled offensively in Game 2 but did manage a run in the first inning courtesy of another Seales home run.

Hannah Qualls was 2-for-3 in the event.

Chelsey Dunnaway (2-2) gave up eight hits, but only one earned run while striking out three batters in the loss.

The Lady Eagles (7-3) resume pool play tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. against No. 23 Central Methodist before taking on Campbellsville at 5 p.m.