AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edwards' defense was more than up to the task of facing their first nationally-ranked team of the season, splitting Sunday's doubleheader at home against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
 
GAME 1: SEU 2 – TAMUK 1
 
Kingsville struck first with a run in the top of the first, but SEU had the answer as KAROLINA RODRIGUEZ's looping liner went down the left field line to bring home MORGAN LEWIS who reached on a walk.
 
The Hilltoppers got back to work after a three-up, three down top half of the inning with KYLIE MICA leading off with a single. With two-outs GENISA MARRERO-CARTER singled through the left side, advancing Mica to third. A double-steal brought home the run and put SEU up 2-1.
 
SEU's defense took control from then on out, only allowing two baserunners the rest of the way.
 
REAGAN CARTER was sensational on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. KATHRYN CONNELLY led at the plate, going 2-3.
 
GAME 2: SEU 2 – TAMUK 3
 
TAMUK started the game just as they had in game one, pushing across one run in the first, but the Hilltoppers again had the answer and then some. Rodriguez made it happen again with a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Marrero-Carter. Erika Kanika's slow roller to the right side allowed Lewis to score again and put St. Edward's on top 2-1.
 
The Javalinas took advantage of a Hilltopper error to even the score in the sixth and then scored the game winner in the seventh on a double to center.
 
Klanika suffered the loss in 1.2 innings of work after entering in relief. JULISA ORTEGA made the start in the circle, going 5.2 innings and allowing two runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
 
Marrero-Carter led at the plate with a 3-4 day with one run scored while Connelly went 2-4.
 
St. Edward's moves to 12-6 on the season and 3-1 in Lone Star Conference play. They return to the road to face Lubbock Christian for a double-header beginning at 2 pm on March 6^th.