AUSTIN, Texas – Texas A&M International softball opened its doubleheader against St. Edward's cruising to a 9-2 victory, but the fell to the Hilltoppers 8-0 in six innings to split the season series.
 
Game 1: Texas A&M International 9 St. Edward's 2
 
TAMIU struck first in the top of the second inning, scoring a run by way of a walk to graduate student Melanie Gamboa.
 
St. Edward's would tie the game in the bottom of the third inning, but in the top of the fourth, senior Christina Garcia gave the Dustdevils the lead right back on an RBI double.
 
The Hilltoppers again countered with a run of their own in the bottom of the fourth inning to make the game even at 2-2.
 
TAMIU the exploded for seven runs in the top of the sixth inning, thanks to a three-run home run by Garcia, a two RBI double by junior Heather Ruiz and RBI singles by fellow juniors Briana Arredondo and Darrian Smith.
 
Smith got the start in the circle and worked a complete game, allowing two runs, eight hits and walked four.
 
Offensively, Garcia had a career best game at the plate, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, a drawn walk and a run scored.
 
Smith also went 2-for-3 and drew a walk and drove in a run, while four other Dustdevils collected a hit.

Game 2: St. Edward's 8, Texas A&M International 0 F/6
 
In game two, it was all Hilltoppers, defeating TAMIU 8-0, walking it off early in the bottom of the sixth inning.
 
After a quiet first inning, St. Edward's scored three runs in the second, then followed that with two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth inning.
 
TAMIU had its opportunities throughout, putting runners at first and second with one out in the second and then loaded the bases in both the third and fourth innings with one out, but couldn't push a run across.
 
Sophomore Victoria Gonzalez started the game for the Dustdevils and in four innings, allowed five runs (four earned), six hits and walked four.
 
Freshman Sara Papizan allowed just one hit working the fifth inning, followed by fellow freshman Carla Arellano who allowed three runs, three hits and one walk in 2/3 of an inning.
 
TAMIU recorded four hits in game two, with Ruiz, Arredondo, Gonzalez and Papizan each having a single.
 
The Dustdevils after 23 games on the road or at a neutral site, finally get to take their home field for the home opener on Friday, Mar. 11. Nationally ranked Oklahoma Christian comes to Laredo and first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 12 p.m.