SAN ANTONIO, TX – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team split a double header with UTEP on Monday afternoon behind a strong pitching performance from Joanna Valencia in the team's 5-2 victory in game one at Cardinals Field.
 
Valencia went the full distance for the second straight start for UIW (7-29, 2-10) striking out nine batters and only allowing two earned runs on two hits against the Miners. The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead after scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning highlighted by a double to left center from Bailey Thomas to score two runs.
 
UTEP responded with a run of their own in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Kaitlin Ryder to cut the UIW lead to 4-1. Danielle Ramirez reached on a fielders choice in the sixth, which brought home another run for UIW. In the seventh, the Miners were able to pick up one more run to make the final score 5-2.
 
Valencia gets her fourth win of the season to lead the team and Thomas led UIW at the plate with two hits and two RBI. Alex Alonzo and Marcela Lopez each added to hits as well.
 
In the second game, the UTEP bats came alive and a seven run second inning set the tone early for the game as the Miners lead 9-1 after two innings. The Cardinals did get two runs in the fourth after a throwing error allowed Victoria Bratcher and Lacie Stevens to score. The Game ended after five innings and the final score was 11-3 in favor of the Miners.
 
Bridget Stein is charged with her seventh loss of the season after going 1.1 innings allowing five earned runs. Taylor Grohmann gets the win for UTEP after going the full distance and allowing three runs, zero earned, on seven hits.
 
Stevens led the Cardinals at the plate with one hit and one RBI while Ryder led the Miners with two homeruns and four RBI.