SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word softball team will be traveling to Houston, Texas this weekend to face the Huskies for the third conference matchup this year. The Cardinals are heading into the matchup with a 1-5 start to Southland Conference play. This will be the conference home opener for the Huskies who are currently 1-2.  

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THE LAST TIME THEY MET  

• Since first playing in 2015, the record stands 15-7 in favor of HCU. 

• The last matchup was during day two at the SLC Conference tournament in a win to advance game. The Huskies won 8-4. 

• Aaliyah Garcia was given the loss after throwing 48 pitches for 1.2 innings of play. 

• Ryleigh Mata earned an RBI after knocking a single through the left side to initially tie the game, 1-1.   

• Avalon Sanchez had a double late in the game to finish with one hit in her four at bats. 

HCU (12-16) 

The Huskies are hot on a one game win streak after taking down Sam Houston in 10 innings to win 7-2. Before, in their first conference matchup, the Huskies won the series against the Islanders 2-1. In the most current conference standings, HCU sits in fourth place.  

Katy Janes, Southland Pitcher of the Week, is leading her pack. Tossing a no hitter in their conference opener against TAMU-CC, the junior has been on a roll. With an era of 2.26 and a record of 5-5, the Cardinals are going to have to watch out.  

Sophomore, AB Garcia is spotting the hot hand for the Huskies. With an impressive .420 batting average, Garcia is second in the conference. In her total 88 at bats, Garcia has tallied 37 hits including four doubles, one triple, and five RBIs.  

UIW (9-13-1) 

Kendall McGary and Giselle Villarreal are leading the offensive stride for the Cardinals. Batting an average of .317 together, both have been the most consistent players for UIW this season. In addition to McGary's impressive average, she also leads the team in RBIs with 11. Villarreal has notched 22 impressive hits on the year including two doubles and four RBIs. The freshman and senior duo have been one to watch in the conference.  

Though on a losing streak, the Cardinals have played some tough opponents to prepare them for this point in conference. Batting wise, UIW ranks sixth for the best percentage with the team totaling 151 hits. In the pitching category, the Cardinals are sixth as well. With an era average of 3.68, UIW is tied with TAMU-CC though they have allowed less runs. The strongest part of the Cardinals seems to be their fielding where they rank forth in the SLC. With a high total of 462 putouts, the aim for consistent fielding has proven to be effective.  

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--