SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team is back on the road this week for a conference series against Nicholls. First pitch for the opening game is set for 4 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, with the second game starting at approximately 6 p.m. and the series finale beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m..

FOLLOW ALONG
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THE OPENING PITCH
The Cardinals (4-27, 2-10 SLC) are coming off their first conference series win of the season and will look to keep their two-game win streak going against the Colonels (20-16, 9-3 SLC).

HOPE MAKES HISTORY

• Senior first baseman Hope Sobolewski became the first player in Cardinal history to hit two grand slams in a single game in last weekend's series against Southeastern Louisiana.
• Sobolewski finished the series 6-8 with two grand slams, nine RBIs, and two runs scored in an outstanding performance.
• She's now leading the team in batting average (.305), doubles (four), home runs (five), RBIs (20), on-base percentage (.367) and slugging percentage (.561).

LEANING ON LUCIO

• Teanna Lucio's consistent bat was instrumental in the Cardinals' offensive firepower this weekend. The sophomore went a combined 4-7 in two appearances this weekend with three runs scored.
• Lucio has now recorded two or more hits in seven out of the last 10 games. During this stretch, she's batting .429 with an RBI, a walk and two stolen bases.
• The speedy outfielder has stepped up during conference play, batting .409 with a walk and seven runs scored.

SHAW KEEPS SHINING

• Junior outfielder Lexi Shaw went 3-5 with an RBI and three runs scored in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.
• She's now tallied a hit in six out of the last eight games, batting .423 with a double, two triples, two walks, four RBIs and eight runs scored during that stretch.
• During SLC play, Shaw is leading the team in batting average (.417) and on-base percentage (.481), and is second in slugging percentage (.625).

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Colonels are in sole possession of first place in the SLC standings after sweeping Northwestern State last weekend at home. Nicholls has a balanced attack of hitting and pitching, with five batters boasting a .325 average or higher during league play and all three pitchers tallying an ERA of .275 or lower. Megan Landry is the team's ace, going 7-2 against SLC opponents with a 0.92 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. Senior catcher/third baseman Kali Clement is batting .459 with four home runs and nine RBIs in conference play, guiding the team to wins in five out of their last six games.

STAY TUNED
Be sure to follow the Cardinals this weekend on Twitter @UIWSoftball and visit uiwcardinals.com for post game stories recapping the day's action.