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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Following a 16-game season-opening road stretch, the University of the Incarnate Word softball finally returns home to Cardinals Softball Field, when they host Central Arkansas in a three-game Southland Conference series beginning Friday, Mar. 16 at 5 p.m.
 
FIRST PITCH
 
Friday's first game of a doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m., with game two to start 30 minutes following the conclusion of game one. Saturday's finale is scheduled for a noon start.
 
All fans – parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and students – are urged to call Alma Lara at 210-805-3012 to obtain a special price for fans to receive a ticket for admission to Saturday's game and a limited-edition St. Patrick's Day themed shirt, while supplies last.
 
UCA leads the all-time series, 8-3, and won the season series two games to one last March in Conway, Ark.
 
SCOUTING THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS
 
2018: 12-10 overall, 3-0 SLC
Last Game: L 10-1 (6 innings) vs. No. 25 Oklahoma State (3/14)
Head Coach: David Kuhn
Offensive Leaders:
#25 Libby Morris – 22 GP, .375 BA, 21 H, 5 2B, 3 HR, 17 RBIs
#13 Kate Myers – 22 GP, .373 BA, 25 H, 8 2B, 1 HR, 17 RBIs
#26 Morgan Felts – 22 GP, .313 BA, 20 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 13 RBIs, 11 SB
Pitching Leader:
#30 Rio Sanchez – 11 GP, 6-3, 2.14 ERA, 3 CG, 1 SHO, 20 SO
Summary: UCA had its six-game winning streak snapped by No. 24 Oklahoma State, 10-1 in six innings, Wednesday in Conway. The Bears shocked the Southland Conference last weekend with a three-game sweep of previously-ranked McNeese, 8-6, 2-1, and 7-6 in 9 innings. It marked the first time since 2011 that the Cowgirls were swept in a SLC series.
 
On the season, Libby Morris, who is the reigning SLC Hitter of the Week, leads the Bears in batting average (.376), home runs (3), and is tied with Kate Myers with 17 RBIs. Myers is tops with eight doubles and 25 hits. In the circle, reigning SLC Pitcher of the Week, freshman Rio Sanchez, is 6-3 with a 2.14 ERA, three complete games, one shutout, and 20 strikeouts. As a team, the Bears are hitting .262 and have a staff ERA of 3.64.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2018: 3-13 overall, 0-3 SLC
Last Game: L 9-0 (5 innings) at UT Arlington (3/14)
Head Coach: Joe DiPietro (1^st season)
Offensive Leaders:
#11 Victoria Bratcher – 14 GP, .302 BA, 13 H, 4 R, 3 2B, 4 RBIs
#16 Shelby Neatherlin – 16 GP, .243 BA, 9 H, 4 R, 3 2B, 1 RBI
#10 Hope Sobolewski – 15 GP, .200 BA, 8 H, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs
Pitching Leader:
#25 Sarah Leal – 8 GP, 3-4, 4.87 ERA, 4 CG, 16 SO
Summary: UIW is on a 7-game losing streak following 6-3 and 9-0 mid-week losses at Texas State and UT Arlington, respectively. The Cardinals' three runs against the Bobcats came off home runs from Emily Castro and Hope Sobolewski, to make the score 2-1 and 4-3, respectively.
 
On the season, Victoria Bratcher leads the Cardinals in batting average (.302), hits (13), and is tied with Shelby Neatherlin with three doubles. The two home run hitters, Castro and Sobolewski, lead in homers (Castro, 2) and RBIs (Sobolewski, 6). In the circle, Sarah Leal leads in wins (3), appearances (8), starts (7), ERA (4.87), complete games (4), and strikeouts (16). As a team, the Cardinals have a batting average of .197 and a staff ERA of 5.94.
 
UP NEXT

UIW ends its five-game home stand with a doubleheader against Kansas next Wednesday, Mar. 21, beginning at 3 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals resume Southland Conference play with a three-game series at Lamar Friday and Saturday, Mar. 23-24.

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.