Powered by home runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings, Texas A&M handed Sam Houston an 8-3 loss in the Bearkats' season opener at Bearkat Softball Complex Wednesday night.

Down 8-0 in the bottom of the seventh, the SHSU women rallied for three runs on RBIs by center fielder Tayler Gray,  first baseman Angelica Gonzales and right fielder Amy Pelton.

Aggie catcher Nicole Morgan broke a scoreless tie with three-run shot just inside the right field foul pole to put the visitors on the scoreboard. Shortstop Taran Tyler added another three-run homer in the sixth and center fielder Emily Albus hit a solo shot off the right field foul pole in the top of the sixth.

Gray led Sam Houston at the plate with a pair of hits. Left fielder Jessica Slater, designated hitter Cecilia Castillo, catcher Tiffany Castillo and Pelton each produced one single each.

Rachel Fox (2-0) was the winning pitcher, giving up only two hits in six-and-two-thirds innings. Abby Donnell started the seven in relief but was pulled after giving up three hits and a walk.

Shelby Lancaster (0-1) played a complete game in the circle for the Bearkats, striking out four Aggies and facing 38 batters.

A capacity crowd of 681 packed the Bearkat Softball Complex for the opener.

Sam Houston begins a three-week road swing of tournaments in Houston, Denton and Lubbock Friday.