Western Kentucky freshman pitcher Erica Houge went the distance against Louisville on Tuesday, throwing a two-hit shutout to earn her third straight win in the past week as the Hilltoppers claimed a 2-0 win in Louisville.

WKU Softball (25-19) earned its first win over a Power Four school since defeating Ole Miss on April 12, 2024.

With neither side allowing a run to score through the second, WKU got things going in the top of the third with a single from Morgan Sharpe, a sacrifice bunt from Annie White and a single from Kennedy Stinson to put runners on first and second. Maci Masters then drew a walk to load the bases.

Macy Gregor came through for the Hilltoppers with a single to shallow left field that allowed Sharpe to score the first run of the game.

Working against a Louisville team known for their speed on the bases, Houge had no problems getting through the lineup, producing two ground outs and a sacrifice bunt to finish the third.

White’s second sacrifice of the night was rewarded with a run, scoring Kendle White who reached on a double earlier in the inning.

Up 2-0 going into the home half of the fourth, Houge collected her third strikeout of the night to end the Cardinals’ chances that inning.

The last nine outs of the game came from two fly outs and seven total ground outs. On the night, Houge produced a total of two fly outs and 15 ground outs in only 79 pitches.

Houge only needed 79 pitches in her first complete game, allowing only two hits over seven innings. Houge’s 11.3 pitches per inning is the most efficient complete-game performance this season.

Stinson extended her hit streak to nine games while Annie White stretched her reached base streak to 12 games.

WKU’s defense combined with Houge’s pitching performance prevented any Louisville runners from advancing past second base.

The Hilltoppers will travel to Miami for its penultimate Conference USA three-game series against FIU starting Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT Friday and will be broadcast on ESPN+.