LAREDO, Texas – Junior Briana Arredondo's sixth inning, three run home run lifted Texas A&M International softball (11-8, 6-4 LSC) to a 4-1 win over #18 West Texas A&M (16-6, 4-6 LSC) in game one of the doubleheader. In game two, Emilee Wilson was stellar for the Lady Buffs on the mound, allowing just three hits in the 7-0 win.
 
Game 1: Texas A&M International 4, #18 West Texas A&M 1
 
TAMIU struck immediately in game one against the Lady Buffs.
 
After a leadoff single by senior Morgan Chavarria, she eventually came around to score on an RBI single by freshman Victoria Gonzales.
 
West Texas A&M responded in the top of the fourth inning, tying the game 1-1 on an RBI single by Steph Elliott.
 
It wasn't until the bottom of the sixth when junior Briana Arredondo crushed a three run home run to left field, giving the Dustdevils a late 4-1 lead and ultimately the win.
 
Sophomore Erika Cortez (6-4) took the victory on the mound, throwing her ninth complete game of the season. She allowed one run, three hits, a walk and struck out five.
 
Offensively, Chavarria led the way with a 2-for-3 outing, while Arredondo, senior Shelby Edwards, junior Darrian Smith, sophomore Victoria Maldonado and freshman Victoria Gonzalez all added one hit each.
 
For the Dustdevils, the victory was its third of the season against a nationally ranked team.
 
Game 2: #18 West Texas A&M 7, Texas A&M International 0
 
In game two, it was West Texas A&M who struck first in the top of the first.
 
The Lady Buffs took a 1-0 lead on a first and third double steal that scored Shanna McBroom.
 
In the top of the second the lead went to 2-0 on a McBroom RBI single and grew to 4-0 in the fifth inning after a two run Gabriella Valfort home run.
 
McBroom extended the lead to 5-0 in the top of the sixth with a solo home run and the Lady Buffs added to it with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly to make it 7-0.
 
The Dustdevils best chance came in the seventh inning, getting a runner on second base, however were not able to get their lone runner in scoring position for the game across.
 
Freshman Chelsea Salinas (2-1) started the game for the Dustdevils, allowing four runs (two earned), six hits, walked two and struck out one in 4.1 innings. Smith came in relief, throwing 1.2 innings, allowing three runs (one earned), three hits, a walk and a strikeout. Junior Denise Longoria pitched the seventh inning allowing a hit and struck out one.
 
Offensively, Arredondo, Maldonado and Gonzalez each had a hit towards the Dustdevils three total.
 
The Dustdevils now prepare for a three game series against Eastern New Mexico with a single non-conference matchup on Saturday and a doubleheader Sunday. The non-conference matchup tomorrow is set for a 1 p.m. first pitch.