SAN MARCOS, Texas – Junior Hope Sobolewski's two-run homer cut the Texas State lead to 4-3, but the Bobcats scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth and held on for a 6-3 win over the University of the Incarnate Word softball Tuesday afternoon from the Bobcat Softball Stadium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Texas State (18-7) scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the first on a two-run double from Tara Oltmann, but UIW (3-12) cut the deficit in half as Emily Castro hit a two-out home run to left field.
 
The home run seemed to calm the Cardinals, who took down the Bobcats until they struck again with two runs on a Cardinal error in the bottom of the third.
 
UIW answered right back in the top of the fourth with Sobolewski's shot. Marcela Lopez led off the inning with an infield single. She was out at second on a fielder's choice, as Shelby Neatherlin reached first safely, bringing up the junior from Moreno Valley, who hammered a 2-2 ball to left to make the score 4-3 in favor of the Bobcats. Texas State went down in order in the bottom of the fourth.
 
In the top of the fifth, Breana Nevarez hit a one-out single and was replaced by pinch runner Jordan Goins. But a runner left early call and a fly out ended the Cardinals' threat. Texas State made UIW pay in the bottom half of the frame, unfortunately, as, following back-to-back hits to lead off the inning, Bailee Carter hit a two-run double in the gap to put the Bobcats ahead 6-3.
 
The Cardinals had a chance in the top of the sixth, as Lopez reached on an error and Neatherlin drew a walk, but Bobcat relief pitcher, Meagan King, got back-to-back strikeouts to end the threat.
 
LEADERS
 
Five different Cardinals registered a hit: Castro, Sobolewski, Lopez, Nevarez, and Teanna Lucio. Breanna Hernandez (0-4) took the loss in the circle, as she allowed eight hits, five earned runs, and three walks while striking out a career-high three batters.
 
Carter went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Texas State, while Oltmann went 2-for-3. King (1-0) earned the win in relief, as she allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out four in 3.2 innings. Krista Jacobs started and allowed four hits, three runs, and struck out one in 3.1 innings.
 
UP NEXT

UIW ends the road trip at UT Arlington tomorrow, Mar. 14 at 4 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals finally return home to face Southland Conference foe, Central Arkansas, Friday and Saturday, Mar. 16-17. Friday's doubleheader begins at 5 p.m., while Saturday's finale starts at noon. Saturday's contest features a special price for fans to receive a ticket for admission and a limited-edition St. Patrick's Day themed hat, while supplies last. For more information, please contact Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.

To purchase tickets, contact UIW Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.