Box Score SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team took an early lead and never trailed as it defeated UTSA 5-2 on Wednesday evening at Roadrunner field. This is the first time the Cardinals have topped the Roadrunners since May 1, 2018 (4-3).

"Tonight was a great team win," said head coach Kimberly Dean. "A productive line up with a lot of quality at bats. Any time we can put runners on and score multiple innings, we are a tough team to beat. We also got a great outing from Aaliyah Garcia in the circle and she had a solid defense working behind her. All in all, very proud of the girls and am excited to get some good practices in and be back on the field next Wednesday. Go cards!"

Aaliyah Garcia went the distance, securing the win for UIW after pitching seven innings and striking out six Roadrunners. UTSA sent three different pitchers to the circle to try to contain the Cardinals. Teanna Lucio led UIW with two hits.
 
UIW jumped ahead first with an RBI from Lucio that brought in Kendall McGary to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage. UTSA answered with a solo home run to even the score at 1-1.
 
The Cardinals did not let up. In the third inning, UIW's aggressive bats juiced the bases with two outs. Maddie Boldt stepped up to the plate and battled against a tough pitching count, but ultimately took the walk to bring in another run as the Cardinals regained the lead (2-1).
 
UIW kept rolling when Ryleigh Mata came up to the plate. A perfectly placed hit down the first base line brought in Savannah Behanbetz to extend the advantage to 3-1. UTSA plated another run with its second solo home run of the day to close the gap to 3-2 at the end of the fourth inning.
 
A powerful fifth inning from the Cardinal added two more runs to the board. Avalon Sanchez started the explosive offense off with a solo home run to left field, pushing UIW ahead 4-2. Lucio stepped up to the plate with two runners on and stunned the Roadrunner defense with a squeeze bunt down the third base line to bring in McGary (5-2).
 
The Cardinals capitalized on four UTSA errors and held the Roadrunners to just four hits to secure the 5-2 victory.
 
UP NEXT
UIW heads to San Marcos, Texas, to face Texas State University on Wednesday, April 20, at Bobcat Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:30 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.