DENVER, Colo. –  The No. 12 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M opened the College World Series with a 1-0 shutout of No. 13 Grand Valley State on Thursday night to advance in the winner's bracket.
 
After two scoreless innings, the Lady Buffs broke through with a 1-0 lead after Hailey Neira recorded the first hit of the game for either side with a single to second.  Shanna McBroom walked to move runners into scoring position, bringing Ruby Salzman to the plate.  Salzman hit a shot at the third baseman who was unable to come up with the play for Neira to cross the plate. 
 
GVSU looked to level the score in the bottom of the fourth as the Lakers shortstop Lydia Goble hit an infield single but Kyra Lair forced two balls into the air to preserve the lead.  
 
WT's best look to double the score came in the sixth when seniors Erica Vessels and Alyx Cordell landed on base with a single and walk but Hannah Beatus recorded her sixth strikeout of the game to end the threat. 
 
Kyra Lair moved to 22-5 with her fourth shutout of the season.  The Canyon native allowed just three hits, facing 27 batters with two walks and two strikeouts.  

The Lady Buffs advance in the winner's bracket to face No. 18 Saint Anselm at 2:30 p.m. CT.  The Hawks defeated West Chester, 3-2, with a walk-off single to move to 33-5 overall.