After scoring all five of their runs in the second inning, the Cardinals would play good defense to hold on to their lead and get themselves another win, propelling their record to 9-4.
 
The first inning was scoreless for both teams and after allowing the Rattlers a run at the top of the second, UIW answered with a whooping five.  Kim Hanson, Cardinal first baseman, connected on her first pitch of inning and sent the ball well over the fence at center field for a three run homer.  The homerun was Hanson's second of the season.  The Cardinals would wrap that inning up with another two runs.
 
While St. Mary's kept the Cardinals quiet the rest of the game, they would only score one more run themselves in the fifth inning and wouldn't be able to minimize the Cardinals lead.  Rattler pitcher Vianna Gutierez (3-3) allowed three hits and ifve runs while Cardinal pitcher Briana Sanchez (6-1) would add another win to her record and allow eight hits and just two runs.
 
The Cardinals have their first conference games of the season on Friday, March 2, when they'll entertain Abilene Christian University in a double-header.  First pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m.
 
St. Mary's.......... 010 010 0 -  2  8  1
Incarnate Word...... 050 000 X -  5  3  0
 
E - R. Morales. DP - UIW 1. LOB - STMUSB 7; UIW 4. 3B - T. Vidrine; Alex Garcia. HR - K. Hanson(2). HBP - V. Gutierrez. SB - Shelly Lee; A. Freeman(4); L. Salinas(1).
 
Win - B. Sanchez (6-1). Loss - V. Gutierrez (3-3). Save - None. WP - V. Gutierrez 2; B. Sanchez 2. HBP - by B. Sanchez (V. Gutierrez).