Laredo, Texas- It was a bittersweet day at home at Texas A&M International University where TAMIU Softball would graduate nine of its current student athletes. The TAMIU Softball team took on the #2 team in the nation in UT-Tyler in doubleheader action.
 
It was a quick start for TAMIU as Jenna Fabela would put the Dustdevils on the board first with a homerun to start off for the Dustdevils. However, UT-Tyler would answer back scoring 13 runs and holding the Dustdevils to the single run. The Dustdevils would end game one losing 13-1 with 1 run, 3 hits and two errors. Kylie Goad, Tessa Ramirez and Nevaeh Herrera would take the circle in game one for the Dustdevils. In game two, the Dustdevils would find their bats as they would out hit the Patriots 12-10 but UT-Tyler's defense would prove to much as they held TAMIU to two runs. The Patriots would go on to win the game 7-2. The Dustdevils finished game two with 2 runs, 12 hits and 2 errors. Seniors Kristin Maldonaldo and Alexia Hernandez would both finish the game with one RBI. Zakayia Fredrick and Celeste Apaez would take the circle in game two for the Dustdevils.

The Dustdevils will finish up their regular season play on the road this week against St. Mary's and St. Edwards this weekend.
 
*Senior Day Particpants Listed Below Along with Quotes, Accomplishments, Etc.*

Eva Garcia- Our first senior is Eva Garcia from Laredo, Texas. Eva is escorted today by her mother Natalia Garcia. Eva has 120 career games and 105 starts for TAMIU. She has 324 plate appearances with 36 runs scored. She has 90 career hits with 12 stolen bases. She has accumulated 20 career runs batted in, 192 defensive putouts and 105 assists. She will be graduating with a degree in kinesiology.  Coach Libby commented, "We are so happy that this local talent joined our program. She proves herself daily through sheer hard work. She has become an all-around ball player. She will be missed!"
 
Victoria Gonzalez- Our next TAMIU senior is Victoria "Big Vic" Gonzalez from San Juan, Texas. Victoria is escorted today by her father Fred Gonzalez, her mother Yvette Gonzalez and sister Isabella Gonzalez. Victoria has played in 195 games for TAMIU, starting in 194 of those. In 630 at bats, Victoria accumulated 60 runs, 191 hits, 23 doubles, 115 RBI's and 30 home runs with a .325 average. Victoria is currently the second all-time home run leader in TAMIU history. She has a 987. Career fielding average. She has 942 career defensive putouts with 42 assists. Victoria will be graduating with a degree in kinesiology. Coach Libby said of his senior, "I am so happy to have gotten to know Victoria over the years. She is extremely hard-working and will go out of her way to do the things that it takes to win ball games. She is a kind person and will make a great impact on this world, just like she has made a great impact on TAMIU softball." Ladies and gentlemen, Victoria Gonzalez.

Dynasty Harpel- Our next senior is Dynasty Harpel. Dynasty is from San Antonio, Texas. Today, Dynasty is escorted by her mother Glory Harpel, her grandma Gloria Salazar, her grandpa Carlos Salazar and her dog daughter Lola. Dynasty has played 75 games at TAMIU, starting in 56. She has accumulated 16 runs, 23 hits, two doubles and one home run. She has 73 career defensive putouts and 60 career assists. Dynasty will be graduating with a master's in business administration with a concentration in healthcare. Coach Libby commented, "Dyno is loved by her teammates and the staff immensely. We are so blessed to have her here at TAMIU. It is fitting that Dyno wants to pursue a career in healthcare because she is always willing to go the extra mile to help those around her. She is an intelligent individual who is going to make an impact on many people. She is a true competitor. I am lucky to have had her as a student athlete." Ladies and gentlemen, Dynasty Harpel.

Alexia Hernandez- Everyone, our next senior Alexia "Alex" Hernandez. Alex is from Mission, Texas. Alex is escorted today by her parents Jesse and Linda Hernandez, her sister ayissa Hernandez. Her brother-in-law, Michael and nieces Lina and Jaymee. Alexia appeared in 130 games and starting in 106. Alex will finish her career with a .260 average in 302 at bats. She has 75 career hits with three home runs and five stolen bases.  She has 220 defensive putouts and 30 assists. She has a .972 career fielding average. She will be graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. Coach libby commented, "She has become a positive vocal team leader. Her presence will be missed behind home plate, and we are truly thankful for her time here as a Dustdevil."
 
Katelyn Luera- Our next senior is from Pharr, Texas. Everybody Katelyn Luera. Katelyn is being escorted today by her mother Julianna Castillo, her step-dad Joe Castillo, grandma Elizabeth Schmitt, Grandpa Leo Schmitt, sister Kristianna Luera and brother Tyler Luera. Katelyn will be graduating this spring with a degree in Kinesiology.  Katelyn has played in 142 games for the Dustdevils and has started in 76. Katelyn has had 220 at bats, 40 runs, 50 hits and 8 RBI's in her career. She has accumulated 19 stolen bases in her career. She has 140 career defensive putouts with 74 assists. Coach Libby commented, "Katelyn has been a dynamic part of this TAMIU Softball program. The energy she brings to the team, the positive mindset and her competitive play is unmatched. She always brings a smile to everyone's face. She is an intelligent, speedy ballpayer! She will be missed." Katelyn Luera everyone.

Kristin Maldonaldo-Ladies and gentleman, our senior from Georgetown, Texas, Kristin Jo Maldonaldo. Kristin is escorted today by her mother Sandy Maldonaldo, father Raudy Maldonaldo,her sisters Camila and Victoria Maldonaldo, Nephew Lucas Gonzalez and her four-legged companion Winter. Shortstop, Kristin Maldonaldo has played 192 career games with 171 started. She has 432 career at bats with 30 runs batted in. She has 327 Defensive putouts with 316 assists. She will be graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Coach Libby Commented, "Kristin has been a staple of our program for three years. She is a superb shortstop and was the glue that held our defense together. I appreciate her not only as an athlete but as a person. She will be missed here."
 
 Tessa Ramirez-Ladies and Gentlemen our next senior, from Karnes City, Texas, Tessa Ramirez. Tessa is escorted today by her father Oscar Ramirez, mother Tammy Ramirez, brother Haven Ramirez, sister Nadia Ramirez and her four-legged kiddo, Kyra Ramirez. Tessa is graduating with a bachelors in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy. Tessa has appeared in 43 games, starting in 18. She has pitched a total of 139 innings with a career ERA of 3.88. Coach Libby commented, "Tessa has been an outstanding part of our program here at TAMIU. She always keeps a smile on her face and brings a great attitude to the field. She is dependable, a great teammate and a staple athlete. We are very blessed to have had her here at TAMIU." Ladiies and gentlemen, Tessa Ramirez.
 
Natasha Rodriguez- Our next senior is Natasha "Tash" Rodriguez. She is escorted today by her parents Robert and Mary Lou Rodriguez. Natasha is a graduate student from San Antonion, Texas. She is majoring in organizational communication. She has a career fielding average of .981 and 51 career defensive putouts. Natasha dreams of becoming a criminal defense attorney after Texas Tech school of law. Coach Libby says, "Natasha has been a huge part of our program here at TAMIU. She has been a tremendous help as an athlete and as one of the leaders of this team. She truly wants what is best for this program. We are so lucky to have her, and she will be an amazing attorney one day. For five years, it was like having another coach on the staff." Ladies and Gentlemen, Natasha Rodriguez.

Chelsea Salinas- Our First Senior is Chelsea Salinas. Chelsea is from Alamo, Texas. She is escorted today by her father Rolando Salinas, mother Priscilla Salinas and her sister Reagan Salinas. Chelseas will be graduating with a degree in Kinesiology. During her time at TAMIU, Chelsea has appeared in 65 games, starting in 21. She has accumulated 20 runs, 11 hits, 2 RBI's and 1 homerun during her time here since 2021. Coach Scott Libby said this about Chelsea. "As she steps off the field for the final time, this senior leaves behind a legacy of passion, perseverance, and powerful play. She is a great teammate to all. We appreciate all she has done for TAMIU and we wish her the very best in her future." Everybody, Chelsea Salinas.