ODESSA, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team travels to UT-Permian Basin for a doubleheader on Wednesday starting at 4 p.m.

The Cardinals (6-1) are coming off a strong first week of the season where they swept Texas A&M-Kingsville and then won four of five games at the Cowtown Tournament.  The team is averaging nearly eight runs per game and is hitting .353 as a team and they have stolen 25 bases after stealing only 26 total in 2013.

The Cardinals had a number of freshmen play well in the first week of the season.  Outfielder Kellen Robles (San Antonio/Smithson Valley HS) hit .478 while scoring 10 runs and stealing five bases.  Second baseman Christy Trevino (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) is hitting .444 and has six stolen bases, including a school-record four in one game.

The UIW pitching staff is led by another freshman, Mikaela Flores (Lockhart/Lockhart HS).  Flores went 3-0 with a 1.20 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 11.2 innings, all in relief.

The Falcons (1-8) have started the season slowly with only one win, but they have played a number of the top NCAA Division II teams in the region.  Nikki Brailsford leads the offense with a .370 batting average and two home runs.  Desiree Valero has been the top pitcher with a 3.03 ERA in 34.2 innings of work.

The Cardinals will remain on the road this week at the UTEP Tournament over the weekend where they will play UTEP and New Mexico State each three times for their first NCAA Division I opposition of the season.
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