AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's Softball team dropped the series opener with Texas A&M-International, 4-3, Friday afternoon at the Diane Daniels Field.
 
The game was relatively quiet until the third inning when both teams put runs on the board. Texas A&M-International (19-15, 12-1 HC) struck first in the top of the inning with three runs. St. Edward's (17-13, 5-5 HC) answered as CAITIE CARNEY doubled off the wall in center to bring home KACI OLSON and ALEX MAYFIELD. As the two teams entered the fourth, the Dustdevils led, 3-2.
 
The visiting team widened the margin in the fifth inning, scoring an unearned run. The Hilltoppers looked to close the gap, and with the pinch-hitting efforts of SAVANNA BIJARRO, they brought the deficit to one. Bijarro hit a single to right center to bring home pinch runner AUBREY RUIZ. Headed into the final inning, the home team trailed 4-3.
 
With two strikeouts from St. Edward's pitcher SARAH DEBROW and sound Hilltopper defense in the top of the seventh, the home team had a good opportunity to tie or win the game in the bottom of the inning. The Dustdevils would escape however, with no runs scored from the Hilltoppers in the final inning.
 
St. Edward's continues its series with the Texas A&M-International Saturday. A doubleheader is set for noon. Live video and stats will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.