GULF SHORES, Ala. | The University of West Florida used a four-run third inning to defeat two-time defending SIAC champion Tuskegee University in the opener of the D2 Gulf Coast Invitational Friday afternoon.

West Florida jumped ahead with one run in the second inning off of Tuskegee starter Acey Spence (0-1), before scoring the four runs in the fourth inning to jump ahead 5-0. Spence went four innings, allowing five runs - four earned - off of six hits with one strikeout.

Tuskegee was able to get on the board in the sixth inning on a double by Adrienne Eaddy that scored Jamaica Williams.

Smith finished the day 2-for-3, the lone player with a pair of hits for Tuskegee (0-1).

Tuskegee returns to action Saturday with two games in the D2 Gulf Coast Invitational. They will face Young Harris College at 12:15 pm, followed by the University of North Alabama at 4:45 pm.

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