PORTLAND, Texas – Texas A&M International softball was one strike away from finishing 4-1 in the Texas A&M-Kingsville Tournament, but unfortunately ended the weekend 3-2 after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Lone Star Conference foe St. Mary's.

The first five innings were quiet as both pitchers were on their game and held the score to a 0-0 tie.
 
It wasn't until the bottom of the sixth inning when junior Heather Ruiz lined one to left field that skipped under the sliding left fielder's glove and came all the way around to score on an inside the park home run to give TAMIU a 1-0 lead.
 
In the top of the seventh inning, after two quick outs, St. Mary's received a double, then with a 1-2 count, two very close pitches on the outside corner went the way of the Rattlers and the tying run came across on a full count with a single.
 
St. Mary's then took the lead just a couple batters later on a walk and held on to seal the victory.
 
Junior Carla Arellano was tremendous in the circle for the Dustdevils, allowing two runs, seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts over 6.2 innings of work.
 
Freshman Sara Papizan recorded the final out of the Rattlers, walking three.
 
Offensively, Ruiz and freshman Kristin Maldonado both had a 2-for-3 showing at the plate with Ruiz having the inside the park home run.
 
TAMIU now preps for to head to San Angelo, Texas for five games, beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 18 against New Mexico Highlands at 12 p.m. and Angelo State at 2:15 p.m.