Despite the loss, WKU and Florida Atlantic are tied for first in the Conference USA East Division with a record of 5-2 in league play.
The Hilltoppers moved to 21-6 with back-to-back losses for the first time this season. Florida Atlantic is now 17-16 on the season with the win.
Florida Atlantic's first batter of the game would reach on a Hilltopper throwing error and reach second safely after an obstruction call. Two batters later, FAU's 3-hole hitter connected for a shot that hit off a WKU outfielder's glove and get into third base safely to score the runner for the game's lone run.
The loss marks WKU's first loss in a game decided by one run – the Hilltoppers now sit at 8-1 in such outing.
Ridge struck for singles in the second and fifth innings, marking her seventh multi-hit game of the season.
Shelby Nunn threw the complete game in the circle for the Hilltoppers. She took the loss despite an efficient 81-pitch showing and now owns a 13-4 record on the season. Nunn allowed just three hits while striking out three batters and giving up the one unearned run. Nunn's complete-game effort was her ninth of the season and 26th of her career.
Game two of the three-day series from Boca Raton, Fla., is slated for 3 p.m. CT on Saturday.
TOP STORYLINES
- WKU is now 22-26 all-time against Florida Atlantic and 6-12 when playing at the FAU Softball Complex.
- Coach Tudor is in her 18th season as a head coach – ninth on The Hill – and owns a 472-369-2 career coaching record.
- WKU is now 8-1 in one-run games in 2022.
- Jordan Ridge went 2-for-2 at the plate with a pair of singles and also drew a walk. She's up to eight multi-hit games this season and 13 on her career.
