LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International softball celebrated four seniors in their final home series of the season, then needed just one win to clinch a spot in the Lone Star Conference Tournament. Unfortunately, #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville thwarted that chance, defeating the Dustdevils 3-1 and 4-1.
 
Game 1: #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville 3 Texas A&M International 1
 
TAMUK was the early beneficiary, plating one run in the top of the second and two in the top of the third to hold a 3-0 edge.
 
TAMIU had a chance go by the wayside in the bottom of the third leaving a runner stranded at third base, but plated a run in the fourth on an RBI fielder's choice by graduate student Melanie Gamboa.
 
The Dustdevils still had a chance to add more in the fourth, but would leave the bases full.
 
Junior Darrian Smith got the start for the Dustdevils and allowed three runs, seven hits, four walks and one strikeout in the complete game effort.
 
Offensively, TAMIU collected four hits, with graduate student Victoria Maldonado leading the way with a 2-for-4 opening game, while Smith and Gamboa had the other two hits.

Game 2: #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville 4 Texas A&M International 1

In game two, the Javelinas again plated a run in the top of the second, scoring on a wild rundown that ended in their favor.
 
The Dustdevils immediately fired back as junior Briana Arredondo belted a solo homer to tie the game, the lone run for TAMIU.
 
TAMUK then used solo home runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to take a 4-1 lead.
 
The Dustdevils had a chance in the third, but left a runner stranded on second and then in the sixth, left runners at second and third.
 
Freshman Carla Arellano pitched extremely well for TAMIU, allowing four runs, nine hits and one walk.
 
Sophomore Victoria Gonzalez closed out the final 2/3 of an inning and walked one.
 
The Dustdevils again had four hits in the game with Arredondo, Maldonado, senior Christina Garcia and junior Heather Ruiz all having one each.
 
TAMIU's season comes to a close with a 16-35 overall mark and 9-21 LSC record. Despite the tough season, the Dustdevils return a very deep core and will look to bounce back in the 2023 campaign.