SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team split day two of the Texas Classic. After losing a tough game against Omaha, the Cardinals bounced back to beat Loyola Chicago. To close out the Texas Classic, UIW will face the University of Texas at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
UIW vs Omaha, 6-4
In the most intense game that the Cardinals have played all season, Omaha outlasted UIW in a match that went to nine innings. It was the first time the Cardinals had pushed extra innings all year.
Madison Guillen struck first for UIW as Aaliyah White slammed a single through the left side pulling Guillen to home plate for the first run of the game.
The Cardinals and Omaha traded runs as in the next four consecutive innings at least one team scored.
Going into the seventh, both teams were tied at three apiece. Neither team was able to score, and the game was pushed to the eighth where Omaha ran one in, but the Cardinals answered back. A sacrifice bunt pushed Julia Cordon to third base and a single from Giselle Villarreal allowed Cordon to run in to tie the game, 4-4.
Though the Cardinals were able to push the game to another inning, Omaha scored two runs in the ninth for a final score of 6-4.
UIW vs Loyola Chicago, 3-2
UIW took control of the game early on, outlasting the Ramblers by one run. Pitcher Annie Gunther grabbed the win for the Cardinals as Aaliyah Garcia was credited for the save. Though Loyola Chicago accounted for more hits, UIW's seven hits made it enough to pull through the win.
In their first time on offense, the Cardinals scored off a double from Jasmine Sierra. Baylee Lemons ran in for the lead, 1-0. After running the first one in, during her second at bat, Lemons hit a home run deep into left field for her first of the year. The lead extended to 2-0 and the Cardinals never took their foot off the gas pedal from there. They held control for the rest of the game and beat the Ramblers 3-2.
Lemons led the way for UIW going 2-for-2 during her at-bats. Gunther pitched six innings, only allowing two runs in her total 66 pitches thrown. Garcia followed behind, only pitching six pitches in the total two batters she faced.
FOLLOW ALONG
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--UIW CARDINALS--