GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Oklahoma City University Stars beat the University of Mobile Rams 5-1 in the opening day of NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament pool play on Thursday at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

Lily LaVelle went the distance for Oklahoma City, giving up one run in seven innings to get the win. Kamaron Strickland took the loss for Mobile.

The Stars (45-12) will play St. Thomas at 4:30 p.m. Friday in the second day of pool play. The Rams (34-18) will play Azusa Pacific at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Pool play will continue through Saturday, followed by a double elimination tournament with the winners of each pool on Monday.