AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's softball hosting Texas A&M International for their Lone Star Conference opener and were able to pull out two wins Friday afternoon
 
GAME 1: SEU 2 – TAMIU 1
 
SEU wasted no time taking control of the game as GENISA MARRERO-CARTER's leadoff single set the ground work for the first Hilltopper run. Marrero-Carter stole second and advanced to third on MORGAN LEWIS' sacrifice bunt. Kat Connelly brought her home with a well-placed grounder to the right side to put St. Edward's on top 1-0 in the first.
 
The Hilltoppers pushed another run across in the second on a single by MORGAN LEWIS to lead 2-0 early. It became a pitcher's dual the rest of the way. TAMIU managed one run in the fourth, but SEU held the Dust Devils off the base path the rest of the way to secure the win.
 
Five Hilltoppers logged hits in the win while JULISA ORTEGA earned the win in the circle. She allowed just one run on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
 
GAME 2: SEU 3 – TAMIU 2
 
TAMIU struck first in game two, scoring in the first inning. It wasn't until the fifth inning that SEU was able to even the score. Marrero-Carter got TAMIU into run down after a first and third situation, allowing pinch runner ASHLEY NASSY to score.
 
In the sixth inning the Dust Devils took the lead again after loading the bases with no outs, but the Hilltoppers were able to get out of the jam by allowing just one run to cross the plate.
 
A 2-RBI single up the middle by KAROLINA RODRIGUEZ in the bottom of the seventh was the game winner as she drove home Marrero-Carter and CALLI BIRCH.
 
EMILY KLANIKA earned the win in the circle after entering in the sixth. She allowed no runs or hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Marrero-Carter and Lewis led a the plate, going 3-4.
 
St. Edward's improves to 11-5 on the season and 2-0 in LSC play. They remain at home to host #19 Texas A&M-Kingsville for a double-header on Sunday beginning a 1 pm.