SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word softball team is set to host the McNeese Cowgirls to open conference play this weekend, March 17-18, at H-E-B Field. On Friday night, UIW is celebrating equality with a blackout-themed doubleheader. Then, Saturday afternoon will be Faculty Appreciation Day for the last game of the series. This will be the first conference matchup for McNeese.  

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THE LAST TIME THEY MET 

• This will be the 19th game in history between both teams. McNeese leads the series, 15-8. 

• UIW split the last doubleheader against Nicholls, winning 7-6.  

• Annie Gunther was credited for the save after a stellar performance in the last 2.1 innings pitched. 

• Madison Floyd also made an appearance in the win, striking out three. 

• Kendall McGary recorded a double and a run to take the lead in the fourth inning. 

• Ryleigh Mata had two hits in her four at-bats. 

McNeese (16-9) 

The Cowgirls are led by junior Chloe Gomez who has started all 24 games this season. The catcher is batting .329 in her 70 at-bats. In her total 23 hits, she's notched six doubles and nine RBIs. Senior Alayis Seneca trails right behind her with a .317 batting average on the year. The senior outfielder has been a dominant force for the Cowgirls' offense.  

On the pitching end, McNeese has some of the best in the conference. Recent Southland Pitcher of the Week, Whitney Tate is spotting a 1.58 era with an impressive 7-1 record. The senior has completed three shutouts with a total of 40 strikeouts. In the latest SLC rankings, Tate has the second-best averages but spots the best record.  

UIW (9-10-1) 

The Cardinals are coming into this matchup on a one game losing streak after splitting the first day with Nicholls and losing the last of the series. With an almost .500 record, UIW is heading into the direction of where they want to be going deeper into conference.  

Senior Kendall McGary is still leading the team with a .340 batting average to complement the great start to her year. In her recorded 16 hits, McGary has totaled a double, two home runs, and a team leading 11 RBIs. Two freshmen have also made their name known on this bright Cardinal team. Giselle Villarreal, from Rosenberg, Texas, has the second highest batting average on the team with a .339. The starting shortstop has collected 21 hits and put out a total of 32 batters. Villarreal also leads the team with 18 assists. Victoria Altamirano is the other first year shining through the season. In the last three games, she's had five hits including two doubles, a triple, two home runs, and four RBIs. The freshman from Los Fresnos is currently hitting .276.  

Annie Gunther is leading the pitching flock from UIW. Standing with a 2.00 era, Gunther has so far collected a 4-1 record to start her season. In her total six appearances, Gunther has struck out seven batters but has only allowed eight runs. 

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--UIW CARDINALS--