HAMMOND, Louisiana – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team fell to Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), 7-3, in the final game of the Southland Conference series on Saturday afternoon at North Oak Park. 
 
Ryleigh Mata and Abby Frank led the Cardinals with two hits each. Aalyiah Garcia, Natalie Myers and Madison Floyd each faced SLU batters in today's matchup. 
 
The Lady Lions jumped to an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. This brought two pitching changes for the Cardinals, with Floyd ultimately ending the day for UIW.
 
UIW cut the lead in half with a big third inning. Frank started the stint for the Cardinals with an RBI single that brought in Lauren Olivarri. Mata kept the offensive momentum going with an RBI triple that brought in Frank to cut the SLU edge to 4-2. 
 
SLU then extended its advantage to 7-2. 
 
Julia Cordon hit an RBI single in the top of the fifth inning. However, SLU was able to keep the 7-3 lead to secure the victory. 

UP NEXT 
UIW heads to College Station, Texas, to face Texas A&M University on Tuesday, April 5. First pitch is scheduled for 5 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.