LAKE CHARLES, La. – Two-time defending Southland Conference champions, McNeese, scored a run in every inning and run-ruled the University of the Incarnate Word softball, 8-0 in six innings, Friday evening from Cowgirl Diamond.

HOW IT HAPPENED

McNeese (20-10 overall, 3-4 SLC) wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as the Cowgirls had the first two batters on base, and on a double steal, leading hitter Justyce McClain scored for the first run of the game. An RBI single from the next batter, Alexandria Salvidar, made it 2-0 in favor of the hosts.

A sac fly and a walk with the bases loaded in the second and third innings made the score 4-0. Morgan Catron hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to make the score 6-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Hailey Drew led off the inning with a triple, then scored home on a ground out for a 7-0 Cowgirl lead. The inning could have been a lot worse with runners at first and second and only one out, but Cardinal (6-16, 2-5) reliever, Brett Coleman got a pop up and had three-time Southland Conference Player of the Year, Erika Piancastelli, to ground out to end the threat.

McNeese's McClain led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk. After stealing second, she advanced to third on a groundout. She plated the final run of the evening on an RBI single from Hailey Drew.

Hope Sobolewski had two of UIW's three hits on the evening. Delaney Guzman had the other hit. Sarah Leal (5-6) took the loss in the circle, as she allowed eight hits, six runs (five earned), and two walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings. Coleman gave up five hits and two earned runs while striking out one in the final two innings.

McClain went 3-for-4 with three runs to lead the Cowgirls. Alexsandra Flores pitched a complete game in the circle, as she scattered three hits with three strikeouts.

UP NEXT

The Cardinals and Cowgirls end the three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday, beginning at noon.

STAY TUNED

UIW hosts HBU in a three-game series Thursday and Friday, Mar. 29-30, from Cardinals Field. Thursday's single game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start, while Friday's doubleheader is set for an 11 a.m. first pitch.

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.