Mark Threlkeld's three-run homer backed the strong pitching of Jeb Stefan to lead Louisiana Tech over Hawai'i, 5-1, tonight in the Western Athletic Conference series opener at Les Murakami Stadium.

Stefan (4-5) allowed a run, five hits and a walk with season highs in strikeouts (12) and innings (7 2/3) for the Bulldogs (23-18 overall, 8-9 WAC).

Kramer (4-4) was tagged for five runs (two earned), seven hits with four strikeouts in nine innings for the Rainbows (26-17, 9-7).

The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Chris Kersten led off with a double to left and scored on Alex Williams' single to center. Mark Threlkeld singled to right and right fielder Matt Roquemore momentarily bobbled the ball, prompting Williams to break for third, where he was gunned down from Roquemore to shortstop Greg Garcia to third baseman Vinnie Catricala. Clint Ewing grounded to third for an inning-ending double play.

Louisiana Tech added to its lead in the fourth inning. Deven Degeford singled with one out and one out later, took third when Alex Williams reached on third baseman Catricala's fielding error. Threlkeld ripped a three-run homer to left-center to increase LaTech's lead to 4-0.

The Bulldogs scored again in the seventh. Threlkeld singled with one out, took second when Ewing grounded out to third and scored on Kyle Roliard's single to left to make it 5-0.

The Rainbows finally got on the board when Ryan Morford led off the eighth with a homer to left-center to pull UH to 5-1. After two outs, Stefan was pulled for Mike Jefferson, who retired Kolten Wong on a grounder to second to end the inning.