WACO, Texas – For the first time since 2018, the University of the Incarnate Word softball team defeated a Power 5 opponent, topping Baylor University (6-4) in a midweek matchup on Tuesday, March 29, at Getterman Field.
 
"What a great game," said head coach Kimberly Dean. "All three phases of the game came together tonight and the energy was contiguous. So incredibly proud of this group and their continued belief in each other and the process! It's a great day to be a Cardinal!"
 
This is the first time the Cardinals have defeated a Power 5 opponent from the state of Texas. UIW's first win over a Power 5 school came on March 21, 2018, with a 1-0 victory over Kansas.
 
Madison Floyd started in the circle for the Cardinals, pitching six innings to spark the defense. Ashley Trapp closed out the game for UIW to earn the save. Ryleigh Mata and Aaliyah Garcia both tallied two hits, while Garcia also contributed two RBIs.  
 
The Cardinals trailed 1-0 early in the top of the first inning, but the defense kept battling. With two Baylor runners in scoring positions in the bottom of the second inning, UIW secured the final out to hold the Bears at 1-0.
 
UIW used a big third inning to jump ahead, 4-1. After a bases-loaded walk that tied the game at 1-1, Garcia started off the bats for the Cardinals by knocking a perfectly placed, two-RBI single to right-center field. A defensive error by the Bears brought in another runner to extend UIW's advantage to 4-1 at the end of the third inning.
 
After back-to-back 1-2-3 innings for UIW, the team continued to show its strength in the batter's box. Kendall McGary smacked a hit to the left-center wall to extend UIW's edge to 5-1. Bella Sanchez kept the momentum going with a full count, RBI single to push the Cardinals ahead 6-1.
 
Baylor mounted a comeback, plating one run to make it 6-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. This momentum continued into the sixth frame for the Bears. Lucio started the inning off with a diving catch in center field, but Baylor was able to plate two more runs to cut the UIW advantage to 6-4.
 
In the seventh inning, the Cardinals forced the second Baylor pitching change of the day after drawing back-to-back walks, but the Bears escaped the inning. Trapp entered the circle to finish UIW's strong defensive effort as the Cardinals secured a 6-4 victory over Baylor.
 
UP NEXT
UIW continues Southland Conference play with a doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana University on Friday, April 1. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT.
 
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.