DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman's 2022 home opener was a defensive battle as Tennessee State escaped with a 1-0 victory Tuesday at Sunnyland Park.

The Tigers (8-11) made a first-inning run stand as the Wildcats (5-15) made scoring threats late.

In the fifth, Shania Owens and Ciera Clark led off the inning with singles, but the Wildcats couldn't capitalize.

In the seventh, B-CU mounted a two-out rally with Clark, Julissa Gomez and Joslynn Davis registering singles. TSU recorded the final out to preserve the victory.

Hannah Ortega (3-4) worked out of two bases-loaded jams, but still took the loss. Halyne Gonzalez gave up just two hits in four innings of relief.

B-CU travels to Mississippi for its first Southwestern Athletic Conference series at Jackson State beginning Friday.