HAMMOND, Louisiana – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team dropped the first two games against Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) on Friday at North Oak Park. The Cardinals fell 4-2 in game one and 9-1 in game two.
 
UIW 2, SLU 4
The Cardinals sent three pitchers to the circle in game one of the three-game series against the Lady Lions. Ashley Trapp started the day, while Natalie Myers entered in the bottom of the third inning. Annie Gunther closed out the game for UIW, throwing 3.1 innings and striking out three SLU batters.
 
Savannah Behabetz, Kendall McGary, Aaliyah Garcia and Maddie Boldt registered the four hits for UIW.
 
The Cardinals trailed 4-0 after the first three innings. SLU started with a two-run home run and an RBI single up the middle. The Lady Lions were able to plate one more run before Myers entered the circle and retired the next three batters to keep the SLU advantage to 4-0.
 
The UIW defense held the Lady Lions scoreless through the next two innings. The Cardinals started their rally in the top of the sixth inning when Boldt hit a perfectly placed double to shallow right field that brought in two runs to cut the lead to 4-2.
 
The comeback fell short, however, as SLU was able to hold the Cardinals in the top of the seventh inning to take the 4-2 victory in game one of the three-game SLC series.
 
UIW 1, SLU 9
Madison Floyd started the second game in the circle for the Cardinals.
 
SLU jumped ahead to an early 4-0 lead after three innings. UIW got on the board in the top of the fourth inning with an RBI from Bella Sanchez that brought in Savannah Behabetz to cut into the advantage (4-1).
 
The Lady Lions continued their offensive push, however, and secured a 9-1 victory to clinch the SLC series.
 
UP NEXT
UIW prepares for the final game against SLU on Saturday, April 2, 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.