A five-run second inning with four of the tallies unearned proved to be the difference as Sam Houston opened play at the Islander Classic softball tournament with a 7-0 loss to Louisville at Chapman Field in Corpus Christi Friday.

Cardinal pitcher Megan Hensley limited the Bearkats to two hits in the first five innings and reliever Maryssa Becker allowed Sam Houston only one hit in the final two frames. Second baseman Dani Allen, first baseman Codi Carpenter and third baseman Tiffany Castillo each picked up a hit for the Kats.

Castillo was the only Sam Houston player to get into scoring position, leading off the second inning with a single and reaching third on a pair of ground outs. Hensley and centerfielded Nicole Pufahl each hit home runs for Louisville. Hensley's scored a runner who reached base on the first of a pair of infield errors in the second inning.

Taylor Atkinson faced 33 batters posting a seven-inning complete game performance for Sam Houston.

The Bearkats return action Saturday with a 3 p.m. contest against Iowa. Sunday, Sam Houston plays Louisville again at 9 a.m. then meets up with tournament host A&M-Corpus Christi at 2 p.m.

Sam Houston will travel to Texas A&M for a 6 p.m. single game in College Station Wednesday, Feb. 17. The Bearkats open their 2016 home schedule Friday, Feb. 19, with a 3 p.m. tilt with Prairie View A&M. The contest will be the first opportunity for Sam Houston fans to see the new video/scoreboard in operation at the Bearkat Softball Complex.