CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State softball team gained an early 3-0 lead, but couldn't stop a rally from Texas A&M International as the Dustdevils won, 7-4, on Saturday at the Diamond Sports Complex. TAMIU swept the three-game series after taking two games yesterday in the series-opening doubleheader.
 
The navy and red started strong in the first inning with the three runs off a homer from Taylor Santistevan. RSU got back-to-back singles from Kenzie Lloyd and Morgen Blanchard to set up Santistevan's three-run home run to the road past the fence in left field to give the Cats an early 3-0 edge.
 
TAMIU plated two runs in the third inning to pull to within one at 3-2. The Dustdevils worked three walks to load the bases, and scored one run with a single to left field. The second run scored when a Dustdevil was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
 
An error allowed the Dustdevils to tie the score at 3-3 to start the scoring in the fourth inning. TAMIU added the go-ahead run in the inning for a 4-3 score on an RBI groundout with runners second and third.
 
In the sixth inning, a three-run home run ended up being the difference in the 7-4 game. TAMIU's Brenda Parnin homered to right center to score the final three Dustdevil runs.
 
RSU tried to rally in the seventh with an RBI double from Danelle Day off the wall in left to score Kayla Patterson from second for a 7-4 score, but TAMIU got the Cats to foul out to end the game.
 
Santistevan finished 1-for-2 with three RBI, and Day was 1-for-3 with one RBI.
 
Megan Rosewell started in the circle for the second time in the series, going the complete seven innings. She totaled one strikeout with eight hits allowed.
 
The Hillcats continue their five-game homestand with a doubleheader against in-state rival Northeastern State on Tuesday at the Diamond Sports Complex. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. for Military Appreciation Day. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.