LAREDO, Texas (April 1, 2023) – The final 16 batters went without a hit and Texas A&M International was held to two hits in the game, but it was enough to avoid a series sweep, as the Dustdevils shutout No.11 Lubbock Christian University to end the Lady Chaparrals 13-game win streak Saturday afternoon at Dustdevil Field.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Score: TAMIU 3 – LCU 0
Records: LCU (32-9, 22-8), TAMIU (16-22, 12-15)
Location: Laredo, Texas (Dustdevil Softball Field)
Time of Game: 2:13
Weather: n/a
 
LCU Highlights:

• Maxine Valdez – 4.2 innings, 1 hit allowed, six strikeouts
• Hope Banales – 2-for-3, 2B
• Kasey Flores – 1-for-4, 2B

Turning Point:
In the fourth inning and LCU trailing 3-0, LCU has two on base with the tying run at the plate and no outs. Kasey Flores hit a ball deep, but the wind held it in the park and it was caught by the left fielder at the fence. Skylar Herrera followed and hit a ball off the fence, but it was narrowly foul down the left field line. LCU would not score in the inning.  

How it Happened:
TAMIU's first three batters reached base in the top of the first inning resulting in a fielder's choice scoring the first run of the game and the only run of the first inning. The Dustdevils extended the lead to 3-0 with a two-run second inning. Another leadoff walk caused havoc, as Kristin Maldonado doubled in a run and then a wild pitch and error allowed the second run of the inning.
 
Maldonado's double would be TAMIU's final hit, as their final 18 batters were unable to get a hit. LCU had opportunities, but were unable to score in the game. LCU stranded 10 runners over the final four innings, including the seventh inning, as they were unable to score a run with the bases loaded and one out.  

Inside the Numbers:

• Ashlinn Hamilton started in the circle for LCU and suffered her first loss of the season (6-1), as she went 1.1 innings and allowed three runs off one hit, but walked four batters. Maxine Valdez replaced Hamilton and allowed one hit in 4.2 innings of work.
• LCU was 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position in the game. They were 0-for-3 in bases-loaded at-bats, going 1-for-7 in the category for the series.
• Hope Banales was 2-for-3 to finish the series 6-for-10 (.600) with three RBI.
• The last time LCU lost when allowing two hits was Mar. 9, 2018, as they allowed two hits in a 2-1 loss at St. Mary's.
• LCU fell to 30-3 when out-hitting an opponent, as they had a 6-2 advantage in hits.
• Kasey Flores, who went 1-for-4, is on a 13-game hit streak, which is a new season high this season by a Lady Chap.
• LCU moved to 5-8 when their opponents score first and 4-5 when the opponent scores in the first inning.

 
HISTORICAL NOTE
With the loss, LCU drops to 23-10 all-time against TAMIU, and they move to 10-6 all-time against TAMIU in Laredo.

WHAT'S NEXT:
The Lady Chaps take some time off and return to the diamond Tuesday, April 11, as they host Cameron at Maner Park for a single game of an eventual three-game Lone Star Conference series.