NACOGDOCHES, TX - Runs were at a premium for the University of the Incarnate Word softball team as they took on fellow Southland Conference rival Stephen F. Austin in a double header on Friday afternoon.
 
In the first game of the day, the Cardinals (8-36, 3-17) fell behind early after the Ladyjacks picked up the first run of the game in the second inning on an RBI single up the middle by Emily Wolfe. In the third, Britt Lewis homered to center field to extend the lead to 3-0.  The following inning, Kiriany Hornberger added a three run shot to give Stephen F. Austin a 6-0 advantage.
 
The Cardinals did respond in the top of the fifth inning when Christy Trevino doubled to left field to score both Victoria Bratcher and Monica Flores.  The scoring concluded in the seventh after Wolfe knocked in her second run of the game to make the final 7-2.
 
Bridget Stein struggled giving up six earned runs on eight hits in 3.2 innings of work. At the plate, UIW totaled seven hits and left nine runners on base. Mikaela Flores led the team with two hits and Trevino had the team's two RBI. Hornberger led the Ladyjacks with three RBI.
 
Sarah Leal got the nod in the second game and she performed well. Stephen F. Austin scored first once again on an RBI single to center field from Hornberger.
The Cardinals bounced back in the fourth when Brigitte Gauvin singled to second base scoring Flores to tie the game.
 
However, the Ladyjacks would add on a run in the bottom of the fourth, which would be enough to get a 2-1 victory.
 
Leal went the full 6.0 innings allowing two earned runs on six hits. Gauvin had two of the teams's five hits for the contest. Hornberger once again led the Ladyjacks at the plate with two hits and an RBI.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals return to action tomorrow in the series finale with Stephen F. Austin starting at 1 p.m. at the SFA Softball Field.