Laredo, Texas - Texas A&M International put together one of its most competitive outings of the season but came up just short in a five-set battle against St. Mary's, falling 3–2 (25-23, 29-27, 13-25, 22-25, 10-15) on Friday night inside the KCB Gym.

The Dustdevils opened the match with energy, taking control late in the first set behind strong play from the pin hitters. A balanced attack led by Mia Molina and Sierra Long helped TAMIU edge out the opening frame 25–23. The second set proved to be the tightest of the night, with the Dustdevils fending off multiple set points before a clutch service ace from Samantha Estrada sealed a 29–27 win and a 2–0 match lead.

Momentum shifted in the third, as St. Mary's found rhythm offensively to take the set 25–13. The visitors continued to press in the fourth, outlasting TAMIU 25–22 despite several late Dustdevil runs fueled by key blocks from Danea King and kills from Molina. In the deciding fifth set, the Rattlers used an early run to build separation and held on for the 15–10 win to complete the comeback.

Molina led TAMIU with an all-around performance of 18 kills and 15 digs. Long and Aryana Ledet each contributed 11 kills, while King added seven kills and a team-best eight blocks. Estrada anchored the back row with 26 digs, and setters Natalia Cisneros and Dilean Bounds combined for 45 assists and 25 digs. As a team, TAMIU posted 55 kills, 92 digs, and nine total blocks on the night.

TAMIU looks to bounce back Saturday against St. Edward's at home. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.