SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team split their final two games at the St. Mary's Invitational on Sunday to finish the opening weekend, 3-2.  They defeated Lubbock Christian, 2-1 in the opening game and then dropped a 4-2 decision to St. Edward's at the SAISD Sports Complex. (Game 1, Game 2)

In the first game of the day, the Cardinals (3-2) knocked off the Lady Chaps (3-3) who entered the weekend ranked #2 in the nation in NAIA.  UIW only managed three hits in the contest, but one was a two-run homer by senior Alex Yarbrough (Boerne/Boerne HS) in the top of the second inning. 

Cardinals pitcher Briana Sanchez (San Antonio/Marshall HS) made the two runs stand up.  She pitched a complete game for UIW allowing just four hits, one run and five walks while striking out four.  After giving up a run in the bottom of the third inning, she did not allow an LCU runner past second base.

Katera Eltsosie took the loss for the Lady Chaps.  She also pitched a complete game allowing three hits, two runs and three walks while striking out eight. 

In the second game, The Hilltoppers (3-2) went ahead in the bottom of the first inning on a run-scoring single by Kendall Lucas.  The Cardinals responded in the top of the second inning.  Freshman Kandace Patek (Magnolia/Tomball HS) drove in two runs with a two-out bases loaded double to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.

The Hilltoppers came back to tie the game in the third inning.  KP Perch came through for St. Edward's with a two-out double that scored Ally Valdez from first base.

The Cardinals had a chance to reclaim the lead in the sixth inning.  Whitney Waltrip (Orangevale, CA/Casa Robles HS) opened the inning with a double.  Her sister, Shelby, singled with one out to put runners at first and third.  However, the Hilltoppers brought in relief pitcher Sarah Debrow who promptly retired the next two batters.

In the bottom half of the sixth inning, the Hilltoppers put two runs on the board when Brianna Bozon singled in a run and a second run scored when the ball was mishandled.

Patek walked to lead off the top of the seventh inning, but Debrow retired the next three hitters to secure the win for St. Edward's.  Debrow was credited with a save while Emily Mayfield nabbed the win.

The Cardinals had six hits in the game with Shelby Waltrip getting three safeties.  Whitney took the loss after allowing eight hits, three earned runs and three walks while striking out four in 6.0 innings.

Sanchez earned All-Tournament Team honors after going 2-0 with two complete games over the weekend.  She pitched a total of 17.0 innings and allowed two runs for a 0.82 ERA.

The Cardinals are back in action on Wednesday at 5 p.m. when they take on St. Mary's at the NISD Field #1 at Culebra and 410.
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