HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team suffered a third straight run-rule loss at Southland Conference rival Sam Houston State University on Saturday, 8-0.

The Bearkats (19-30, 11-13) jumped out to an early lead when Dani Allen tripled and scored on a Breanna Homer single in the first inning.  They exploded for seven runs in the third inning to put the game away.  Hannah Marino had the big hit in the inning, a pinch-hit, three-run homer.

The Cardinals (17-32, 6-18) put runners in scoring position in the second and fifth innings, but could not score.  Taylor Atkinson held UIW scoreless through 4.1 innings, but got into some trouble in the fifth inning when the Cardinals had runners at first and third with one out.  Lindsey McLeod came on in relief and struck out the final two batters of the game to finish off the win.

Sam Houston State finished with nine hits, including two apiece by Allen, Homer and Codi Carpenter.  UIW finished with five hits as Katie Helm (New Braunfels/Canyon HS) went 2-for-2 with a double.  Darrianne Hale (Mesquite/Bishop Lynch HS) started the game in the pitching circle and took the loss.

The Cardinals close out their season next weekend against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at home.
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