CONROE, Texas - Texas A&M International University softball (0-2) opened the 2019 campaign with a pair of setbacks to against the Augustana University Vikings (1-1) and the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos (2-0) in the Arkansas Tech Winter Invitational.

Game 1: Augustana 1, Texas A&M International 0 (10 Inn.)

The opening game of the season featured a pitcher's duel between Jenika Lombrana (L, 0-1: 9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 9 K) and Amber Elliott (W, 1-0: 10 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, BB, 7 K).

Lombrana's masterful effort was highlighted by striking out struck out four consecutive Vikings from the last out in the second inning through the entire third inning to keep the game scoreless.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Dustdevils tried to put together a two out rally as Alyssa Contreras and Melanie Gamboa slapped back-to-back singles down the left field line. Paul then popped out to the first baseman to continue send a 0-0 game to the bottom of the fifth inning. 

In the top of the ninth inning TAMIU tried to capitalize off of a fielding error by shortstop Amanda Dickmeyer that put Shelby Edwards on base with one out. Heather Ruiz (2-for-4) then singled through the right side on an 0-2 count that advanced pinch runner Jordan Meza to second. Denise Longoria then lined into a double play to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 10th, pinch hitter Christina Pickett hit a double down the left field line that would score Abbie Lund to secure the walk-off victory for the Vikings.

Game 2: Central Oklahoma 4, Texas A&M International 0

TAMIU fell behind early as a pair of costly first inning errors would turn into two unearned runs that both crossed the plate on a single to right field by Carli Jones.

Errors would haunt the Dustdevils again in the second frame as a fielding error by Longoria would eventually score Lexy Dobson to give the Bronchos a three run advantage (3-0).

In the third inning, 2019 preseason All-Heartland conference selections Lindsey Smith and Maddison Schofield (2-for-3) would smack back-to-back singles to center in hopes to put together a two out rally. Edwards would make contact with the softball but it was caught by center fielder Bailey Thompson.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Sara Caterson (L, 0-1: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 R, 2 K) would retire all three Bronchos to continue her strong outing but would ultimately be outmatched by Lauren Gibson (W, 1-0: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, BB) and dropped a 4-0 decision.

The Dustdevils continue the Arkansas Tech Winter Invitational tomorrow, Saturday, February 2 with one game against the Colorado School of Mines (0-1) at 10:30 a.m. followed by a matchup with Washburn University (0-2) at 3:30 p.m. in Conroe, Texas.