CONROE, Texas - Texas A&M International University softball dropped decisions to Pittsburg State University (2-3) and Tarleton State University (4-1) in the final day of the Arkansas Tech Winter Invitational. TAMIU's record moved to 2-4 at the conclusion of the three-day trip.

Game 1: Pittsburg State 7, Texas A&M International 4

The Pittsburg State Gorillas started the day strong as they recorded the first five runs of the game. In the home half of the first frame, Kala Holder (2-for-3, RBI, R, BB) smacked an RBI double off of Dustdevil starter Melanie Lint (L, 0-1: 3.1 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K) to left field that scored Dru Collins (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R) for the game's first run.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Gorillas tallied a trio of runs that featured a double by Collins that drove home two to extend Pittsburg State's lead to three (3-0). The next batter, Ali Gutac (2-for-4) hit a single to the left side as Collins was awarded home on an interference call to give the Gorillas a four run lead (4-0) after two innings.

The Dustdevils tried to mount a comeback starting in the fourth inning as Maddison Schofield crossed the plate thanks to a wild pitch by Gorilla starter Halle Brin (W, 2-1: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, K) to cut TAMIU's deficit to four (5-1).

In the fifth inning, Lindsey Smith (2-for-4, 2 RBI, R) smacked a single that drove in a pair of Dustdevils that put them within two runs (5-3). Two batters later, Shelby Edwards slapped a single through the left side that drove home Smith to slash the deficit to one (5-4).

In the sixth inning, Keelah Griffith hit a double down the left field line off of Dustdevil pitcher Miranda Martinez (2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, K) that scored two runners and would settle the 7-4 final.

Game 2: Tarleton State 6, Texas A&M International 0

Georgia Capell crossed the plate on a ball that was misplayed by shortstop Heather Ruiz in the first inning to give the Texans an early 1-0 advantage. Capell would score later in the inning as Dustdevil starter Sara Caterson (L, 0-1: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB) walked Morgan Ling while the bases were loaded to expand the Dustdevil deficit to two (2-0).

In the top of the third inning, TAMIU tried to string together a rally as Maya Paul (4-of-4, 2B) led off the inning with a single to left field and Smith (2-for-4) soon followed by smacking a double down the left field line to put runners at second and third with no outs. The Dustdevils were unable to convert on the scoring chance as Alyssa Contreras struck out to Tarleton starter, Julia Wernet (W, 2-0: 7 IP, 10 H, BB, 3 K) with the bases loaded to conclude the inning.

The Texans would continue to pile on the runs as they would later score a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings as Wernet finished the complete game shutout to secure a 6-0 victory for Tarleton State.

Paul finished the game by compiling a career-high four hits in the matchup.

The Dustdevils travel to San Angelo, Texas to participate in the ASU George & Ola McCorkle Challenge on Saturday, February 9 with matchups against Adams State University (0-3) at 11:30 a.m. and Angelo State University (3-1) at 4 p.m.