SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word officially opens up play at the NCAA Division I level on Sunday at noon when the women's soccer team kicks off against visiting Prairie View A&M at Benson Stadium.
The Cardinals open the 2013 season with four consecutive home matches. UIW went 9-8-1 and lost in the Lone Star Conference Championship game in 2012 while going 5-2 in home matches. The Cardinals return eight starters from 2012 and head into their first year in the Southland Conference with great anticipation.
"We have tremendous senior leadership that has made this one of the best preseasons we have had," said UIW head coach Tina Patterson. "This is a great group of girls that are competitive, committed and a great mix of individuals. There are really no expectations for us."
Patterson is entering her 20th year as the head coach of the Cardinals and has a 236-96-31 career record. She has led UIW to 17 winning seasons in her career.
The Panthers (0-1) lost their season opener at Lamar on Friday, 3-2. They were picked to finish first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and are led by Debbie Arguelles who was named the Preseason SWAC Defender of the Year.
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