SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team opens its season on Friday, Feb. 10 as the team hosts the annual Cardinal Classic at H-E-B Field. The tournament will run Feb. 10-12 with games starting at 10 a.m. on Friday.
UIW will face worthy opponents such as Green Bay, Eastern Illinois, and Grand Canyon University throughout all three days of the classic. The Cardinals will start their journey with a doubleheader against the Green Bay Phoenix at 3 p.m. on Friday with Eastern Illinois following at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, UIW will take the late slate again meeting up with Grand Canyon at 3 p.m. and battling the Eastern Illinois Panthers for the second time at 5:30 p.m. The Cardinals will close out the classic at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday as they face Green Bay once again.
FOLLOW THE GAMES
After finishing the season 15-36 last year, second year head coach Kimberly Dean hopes to take her veteran team to the next level. The addition of assistant coach Robyn Leighton also speaks to the team's bright future. Leighton comes to UIW from Eastern Kentucky University. After helping lead her past team to some of the best starts in school history, Leighton's experience will be beneficial in taking this team to new heights. Assistant coach Hunter Bunch will also return for his second year, while volunteer assistant coach Josh Reeves joins the staff for his first season.
"We're pumped that opening day is just around the corner," said Dean. "The girls have worked so hard over the last four and a half months and we can't wait to get out there and compete against a great field of teams this weekend. Get rowdy Cardinal nation! This is a special group we can't wait to watch grow!"
Though more than half the team on the Cardinal roster is upperclassmen, UIW has gone through some changes in the offseason. Three new transfers and five freshmen will see their first pitch as a Cardinal on Friday afternoon.
Full Tournament Schedule
Friday, February 10
10 a.m.: Grand Canyon vs Green Bay
12:30 p.m.: Grand Canyon vs Eastern Illinois
3 p.m.: Green Bay vs UIW
5:30 p.m.: Eastern Illinois vs UIW
Saturday, February 11
10 a.m.: Green Bay vs Grand Canyon
12:30 p.m.: Green Bay vs Eastern Illinois
3 p.m.: Grand Canyon vs UIW
5:30 p.m.: Eastern Illinois vs UIW
Sunday, February 12
10 a.m.: Eastern Illinois vs Grand Canyon
12:30 p.m.: Green Bay vs UIW
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.
--UIW CARDINALS--
