SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team, fresh off the 2012 Lone Star Conference Tournament Championship, open the 2013 season nearby at the St. Mary's Tournament this weekend.  All the games will be played at the SAISD Sports Complex located behind Burbank High School.

The Cardinals open the season against UT-Permian Basin on Friday at 6 p.m.  They return to the field on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Southeastern Oklahoma and 6 p.m. against Texas A&M-International.  The tournament concludes on Sunday with the Cardinals playing Lubbock Christian at 11:30 a.m. and St. Edward's at 1:30 p.m.

The Cardinals are led by first year head coach Mandee Gamboa.  The team boasts the LSC Preseason Pitcher of the Year in Briana Sanchez (San Antonio/Marshall HS).  She is 60-31 with a 2.55 ERA and 746 strikeouts in her career.  Last year she went 17-11 with a 3.43 ERA and 196 strikeouts.  UIW also returns four starters from last year who each hit over .300 including Ashley Freeman (Canyon Lake/Smithson Valley HS).  Freeman hit .388 with seven triples and 31 runs scored in 2012.
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