SAN ANGELO, Texas – Sophomore Paige Sasser threw a strong opening game and along with senior Morgan Chavarria's leadoff home run, Texas A&M International (4-4) opened day two of the ASU Challenge with a 3-2 win over UT Permian Basin (0-8). The Dustdevils ended the day falling to #9 Angelo State (4-2) 3-1, in a rematch of the ASU Challenge opener.
 
Game 1: Texas A&M International 3, UT Permian Basin 2
 
TAMIU struck immediately in the top of the first when Chavarria hit a leadoff home run to take a 1-0 lead.
 
UT Permian Basin responded in the bottom of the second inning when Mia Quintero scored to tie the game.
 
Junior Darrian Smith was the offensive force later in the game, driving in junior Felicity Bernal with an RBI double and followed that in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly to score senior Shelby Edwards and give the Dustdevils a 3-1 lead.
 
The Falcons managed to push on more run across the plate in the sixth inning by way of a sacrifice fly and TAMIU shut the door from there.
 
Sophomore Paige Sasser had an impressive showing, throwing a 6.2 innings, allowing two runs, eight hits and struck out one. Senior Melanie Lint picked up the save, facing two batters, walking one and striking out the other.
 
Chavarria (2-for-4) and Edwards (2-for-2) led the way offensively, with Smith, freshman Victoria Gonzalez and sophomore Kristy Alanis all collecting a single hit.
 
Game 2: #9 Angelo State 3, Texas A&M International 1
 
What was an offensive game day one, turned into a pitchers' duel after the opening frame.
 
In the top of the first inning, junior Briana Arredondo opened the scoring, driving in Chavarria when grounding into a double play.
 
Angelo State immediately responded, taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first.
 
Ashlyn Lerma tied the game when she took home when the Dustdevils threw a runner out stealing and took the lead on a Madison Fernandez RBI single.
 
Offense was at a minimum the remainder of the game as the only other run to cross the plate came in the fifth inning when Jade Strother homered to make it 3-1.
 
TAMIU had a chance in the top of the seventh, putting runners on first and second, but were unable to complete the comeback.
 
Sophomore Erika Cortez was exceptional for the second time this challenge, throwing a complete game, allowing three runs, five hits, two walks and struck out seven.
 
Offensively, Chavarria again out together a two-hit game and five other Dustdevils sprayed a hit throughout the game.
 
TAMIU concludes its play at the ASU Challenge tomorrow when it faces #4 UT Tyler. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.