ABILENE, Texas – Errors proved costly as the University of the Incarnate Word softball team was swept in a doubleheader by host Abilene Christian Saturday afternoon at Poly Wells Field by scores of 6-0 and 3-2.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Game 1: ACU 6, UIW 0
ACU (17-20 overall, 10-8 SLC) scored single runs in the first, second, and fourth, before crossing home three times in the bottom of the fifth to double its score to 6-0. Katelyn Belch had the big hit for the Wildcats, as her single plated two.
 
For the second-straight game, ACU's Hannah Null held the Cardinals (12-24, 5-13) to only three hits. Hope Sobolewski, Delaney Guzman, and Mackenzie Stark each went 1-for-3. Sarah Leal (8-10) took the loss in the circle, as she gave up 12 hits, six runs, and one walk while striking out one in the complete-game effort.
 
Caroline Adair, batting out of the nine hole, went 3-for-3 with one RBI to lead the Wildcats. Null (13-10) pitched another complete-game gem for ACU, walking just two and striking out 10.
 
Game 2: ACU 3, UIW 2
UIW got on the board first, as Emily Castro's RBI single in the top of the third allowed Teanna Lucio to score. ACU answered in the bottom of the frame, however, as Alyson Bishoff singled on a bunt, advanced all the way to third on a Cardinals throwing error, then went around home on another error to tie the game at 1-1.
 
The game remained tied until Lucio's fielder's choice in the top of the sixth allowed Marcela Lopez to score to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
 
ACU would win the game in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the seventh, as Kennedy Ratliff scored on Donelle Johnson's RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. One batter later, Braegan Hamilton reached on the third Cardinals' error of the game, which allowed Belch to score the winning run.
 
Lacie Stevens went 2-for-3 to lead UIW at the plate. Breanna Hernandez (4-9) took the tough loss in the circle, as her line read nine hits, three runs (two earned), zero walks, and three strikeouts in 6.2 innings.
 
Three Wildcats registered two hits. Null (14-10) threw a scoreless 1.2 innings to earn the relief win.
 
UP NEXT

UIW hosts Texas State next Wednesday, Apr. 18 at 6 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals resume Southland Conference play hosting Stephen F. Austin in a three-game series Apr. 20-21. Friday's doubleheader is scheduled for 4 and 6 p.m., while Saturday's finale is set for noon.

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