ABILENE, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team swept Abilene Christian University (ACU) in a doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at the Poly Wells Field. The Cardinals defeated the Wildcats 3-1 in the first game of the day. They followed up with a 5-4 victory in the final game.
 
"Today was a great day, said head coach Kimberly Dean. "We continue to see the progress on the field and are so excited for the girls to get this sweep today. Our pitchers had solid outings and our hitters had some timely hitting and great execution through both games. This was a great way to end our spring break trip and we're looking forward to getting some practice in and getting back on the field at home next Tuesday."
 
NOTABLES

• Kendall McGary registered her third home run of the season; she has hit a home run in three consecutive games.
• Maddie Boldt registered her ninth home run of the season in game two against the Wildcats.
• The Cardinal pitching staff retired nine Wildcat batters on the day.

 
UIW 3, ACU 1
Kendall McGary started the Cardinal offense off by stealing second to bring in Ryleigh Mata, putting UIW on the board in the top of the first inning. Aaliyah Garcia continued the offensive spark with a double to right-center field to bring in McGary, putting the Cardinals up 2-0 to end the first frame.
 
The Wildcats answered with a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing in a run to cut the Cardinal lead to one (2-1).
 
McGary continued her explosive offense with a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning to extend the advantage to 3-1. With Natalie Myers in the circle for the Cardinals, ACU was unable to answer and UIW secured the 3-1 victory.
 
UIW 5, ACU 4
Ashley Trapp continued the momentum into the second game, sitting five Wildcats. Lead-off hitter Mata had three hits. Boldt, Maddison Guillen and Hannah De La Rosa all registered an RBI on the day to push the Cardinals ahead of the Wildcats.
 
Boldt registered her ninth home run of the season in the top of the third inning, a solo shot over the center-field wall to extend the UIW edge to 3-0.
 
In a big fifth inning for UIW, Guillen smacked an RBI double to left field to bring in McGary. De La Rosa followed suit with a single up the middle to bring in Guillen, pushing the Cardinals ahead by five (5-0).
 
The Wildcats had a late rally in the sixth and seventh innings to cut the advantage to one, but the Cardinals got out of a bases-loaded jam to complete the 5-4 victory and sweep the Wildcats in the two-game series.
 
UP NEXT 
UIW is set to host the University of Texas-Arlington on Tuesday, March 15. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets on the UIW Ticket Website.
 
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.