SAN ANTONIO – Junior Angel Villanueva's RBI single up the middle in the bottom of the sixth broke a 3-3 tie as the University of the Incarnate Word softball team defeated crosstown rival UTSA, 4-3, Wednesday evening at Cardinals Field.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
UTSA (16-19) scored a pair of runs in the top of the first, thanks to a two-run double by Hailey Garza. UIW (12-21) starter Brett Coleman got a strikeout to lead the bases loaded with Roadrunners.
 
The Cardinals got one of the runs back in the bottom half of the frame, as Delaney Guzman drew a bases-loaded walk.
 
UIW struck twice in the bottom of third on back-to-back solo homers from Shelby Neatherlin and Guzman as the Cards took a 3-2 lead and chased starter Michelle Iparraguirre from the circle.
 
UTSA pulled even in the fifth, thanks to Rylee Rodriguez's solo homer to center field. But the Cardinals answered in the bottom of the sixth as Villanueva's RBI single scored Mackenzie Stark from third.
 
The Roadrunners threatened in the top of the seventh, however, as Victoria Villareal drew a one-out walk. Replaced by pinch runner Abigail Haston, the speedster tried to take second, but Breana Nevarez threw a strike from her knees to get Haston out. The next batter, Rodriguez, who earlier tied the game with a home run, flew out to center to end the game.
 
LEADERS

Five different Cardinals registered a hit. Guzman went 1-for-2 with a team-high two RBIs and one run. Coleman took the no decision, as she allowed three hits, two earned runs, and four walks while striking out four in 1.1 innings. Sarah Leal (8-9) earned the win in relief, as she gave up just two hits, one earned run, and two walks while striking out six in 5.2 innings.
 
Leadoff hitter Celeste Loughman led UTSA with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate. Lizzy Fox (10-8) took the loss in relief, as she allowed four hits and one unearned run while striking out four in 3.1 innings.
 
UP NEXT

UIW plays a three-game Southland Conference series at Abilene Christian Friday and Saturday. Friday's single game starts at 6 p.m., while Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for noon and 2 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals host Texas State next Wednesday, Apr. 18 at 6 p.m.

To purchase tickets, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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