GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team remain on the road this weekend as they head to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic. They will play Jackson State, twice, Southern Mississippi and Mississippi Valley State.
         
For the Cardinals (1-12), the classic will mark the fourth and final set of games in a pre-conference schedule that has seen them stay on the road for four straight tournaments that have kicked off the season.  UIW have not won a game since their season opener.
         
At the top of the offense, Danielle Ramirez leads the Cardinals with 11 hits, six runs, a .367 batting average and three stolen bases.  Adding to her efforts is senior Alex Zepeda with 10 hits, three runs and four RBI's, while Katie Helm and Natali Duron have both hit two home runs.
         
The UIW pitching staff is led by Kristen Hebert who is currently 1-4 with a 5.55 earned run average and 16 total strike outs. Brooke DuBois and Sarah Leal have come in for the relief and are both 0-3.
         
The Jackson State Lady Tigers are 4-12.  Power hitter Denisha Knight has been the most effective batter with a total of nine runs, two home runs, 12 RBI's and a slugging percentage of .477.  Victoria Nelson has 12 hits, six RBI's and a .267 batting average. Pitching for the Tigers has been shared between Merina Young and Kelsey Townsend. Young is 2-4 with a 4.64 ERA while Townsend is 2-6 with a 7.00 ERA.
         
The Cardinals continue play on Friday afternoon against the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, who are 8-4 overall. Collectively the team posts a .334 batting average with Sarah Evans leading the team with an impressive .500 average in 34 at bats.  She has driven in nine runs and has three doubles, a triple and one home run.  In the circle, Samantha Robles and Shelbee Rodgers are each 3-1 for the year and combined with Jillian Johnson and Danielle Block the team has a 3.36 ERA.

After playing the Lady Tigers for the second time on Saturday, the Cardinals close out the tournament against Mississippi Valley State.  MVSU is 1-11 on the season and have been outscored by over 100 runs.
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