LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International softball finally had the chance to play on their own field for the first time in 2022, however, it did not go according to plan, as the Dustdevils dropped the twin bill to Oklahoma Christian.
 
Game 1: Oklahoma Christian 12 Texas A&M International 3
 
TAMIU had a chance to open things up in the bottom of the first inning, loading the bases, but no runs came across as the game held scoreless.
 
In the second and third innings, Oklahomas Christian would bring across five runs, all scoring unearned.
 
The Dustdevils cut the deficit to 5-3 in the fifth inning, thanks to an RBI walk and RBI single by juniors Heather Ruiz and Briana Arredondo, as well as an RBI fielder's choice for sophomore Victoria Gonzalez.
 
The Eagles, however, added seven runs in the seventh inning to make the score 12-3, the eventual final.
 
Junior Darrian Smith got the start in the circle and worked five innings, allowed five runs (zero earned), five hits, three walks and struck out five.
 
Freshman Carla Arellano worked two innings, allowing seven runs (five earned), six hits, one walk and fanned two.
 
Offensively, TAMIU only could muster four hits, with Arredondo (2-for-4) leading the way, while Ruiz and freshman Alex Hernandez both contributing a hit.

Game 2: Oklahoma Christian 13, Texas A&M International 4
 
In game two, it was all Eagles early, scoring two in the first to open the game with the lead, followed by four in the fourth to take a 6-0 lead.
 
The Dustdevils cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a two-run home run by Arredondo to make the score 4-2.
 
Oklahoma Christian responded with two in the top of the fifth, but TAMIU fought right back in the bottom of the fifth off an RBI fielder's choice by Ruiz, who scored graduate student Melanie Gamboa, as well as junior Felicity Bernal who crossed the plate on an error that same play.
 
Despite the 8-4 deficit, the Eagles added five runs over the final two frames to seal the victory and the season sweep.
Sophomore Victoria Gonzalez started the game for the Dustdevils and in five innings, allowed eight runs (two earned), 10 hits, two walks and struck out four.
 
Freshman Sara Papizan allowed five runs (three earned), three hits, three walks and two strikeouts in two innings of relief work.
 
TAMIU recorded six hits in game two, with six different players having a single hit each.
 
The Dustdevils look to bounce back after the difficult home opener, as they welcome Cameron to Laredo for double header action on Sunday, Mar. 13. First pitch of game one is set for 12 p.m.