PHOENIX, Ariz. – Bella Sanchez led the University of the Incarnate Word softball program to victory against the University of the Pacific, 4-2, on Friday evening. The Cardinals then fell to Grand Canyon University, 9-1, in the nightcap at the GCU Softball Stadium.  

UIW (4) vs. Pacific (2) 
Ashley Trapp started the game for the Cardinals, pitching three innings before Natalie Myers came in to secure the win for the final five innings.  

UIW jumped ahead first, hitting back-to-back RBIs in the first inning. Sanchez singled to center field to bring in Teanna Lucio. Kendall McGary followed with an RBI of her own, bringing in Ryleigh Mata.  

The Cardinals went to extra innings against the Panthers after they tied the game at two in the third inning. In the top of the eighth frame, Sanchez stepped to the plate with Mata on base. With a 2-2 count, Sanchez knocked a two-run home run over the left-field wall to put the Cardinals ahead, 4-2. UIW held the Panthers on the defensive end to secure the victory.

UIW (1) vs. GCU (9)  
Aaliyah Garcia started in the circle for the Cardinals, pitching 3.2 innings before Annie Gunther came in to end the game.  

The Cardinals fell to GCU in five innings after the Lopes went ahead, 3-0, through the first three frames. Maddie Boldt tried to spark the Cardinal offense with a solo home run over the centerfield wall. However, after a tough fourth and fifth innings, GCU secured the 9-1 victory.  

UP NEXT  
The Cardinals prepare for the second day of the Lopes Up Classic with a doubleheader starting with Colorado State at 9:30 a.m. CT and concluding against Colgate University at noon.   

FOLLOW ALONG  
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.   
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWSoftball and Instagram @uiwsoftball.