Box Score LAREDO, Texas – KENDALL LUCAS delivered a three-run bomb to help secure the victory during game two of the Heartland Conference doubleheader against Texas A&M-International. St. Edward's is 26-20 overall and 10-10 in Heartland Conference play after they split with the Dustdevils Friday evening. TAMU-International took game one, 6-1.
 
KACI OLSON opened the first inning of game one with a triple down the right field line. Lucas got on base via an infield error and was able to advance to second. Olson scored on the play giving the Hilltoppers the 1-0 lead. Lucas was left on base when FAITH ROBERTS struck out.
 
The next two innings proved to be a pitching duel. The Dustdevils went in order in the bottom of the first and second inning, while St. Edward's went in order during the top of the second and third innings.
 
The Dustdevils took the first lead of the game in the third inning scoring three runs on four hits and two errors. The errors proved to be pivotal and two of the three runs were unearned. TAMU-International extended its lead in the fourth inning with three more runs taking the 6-1 lead. Three hits and one error were committed during the inning.
 
The Hilltoppers had a difficult time getting back into the contest, only connecting on one hit in the final three innings. The Dustdevils scored six unanswered runs and won game one of the conference series, 6-1.
 
St. Edward's bounced back at the start of game two with three runs in the first inning. BREAH WHITTEN and KACI OLSON got on base to start the inning. Both runners advanced into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt from ALEX MAYFIELD. Lucas smacked a homerun over the left center wall to score the two runners and give the Hilltoppers the early 3-0 lead.
 
St. Edward's kept the offensive momentum rolling through the third and fourth innings. They were able to gather three hits in the combined two innings. Unfortunately, the runners were left stranded and the lead wouldn't be extended.
 
TAMU-International cut into the St. Edward's lead with two runs in the fourth inning. The Hilltoppers led at the point 3-2. St. Edward's responded with two runs in the sixth inning and regained its three run advantage, 5-2.
 
CYDNEY ERVIN drew the walk and stole second to advance into scoring position with one out. LAURA ALVARADO singled to left field, advancing Ervin to third base. Whitten also singled in the inning driving home Ervin and advancing Alvarado to third. ALEX MAYFIELD got on base due to an error by the second baseman; this allowed Alvarado to score the second run of the inning.
 
The Dustdevils scored a run in the seventh inning to trim the lead to 5-3, but SARAH DEBROW struck out the final two batters to secure the 5-3 victory for the Hilltoppers. She picked up her 13^th win and struck out eight batters along the way.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action tomorrow for the final game of the series against TAMU-International. Game time is set for noon at Dustdevil Field on the campus of TAMU-International. Live stats and video will be available through the Dustdevil Athletic Website.