SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team will host the No.2 Oklahoma State Cowgirls in a doubleheader on Saturday with the first game starting at 11 a.m. This will be the highest-ranked opponent that the Cardinals have ever faced here at H-E-B Field. In addition, UIW is hosting Little League Day so kids will get in for free.
FOLLOW THE GAME
THE LAST TIME THEY MET
Oklahoma State (30-2)
The Cowgirls are on a roll. After ranking fourth in preseason headlines, OSU has climbed its way to the second-highest spot. With only two losses and 17 Top 25 or receiving votes wins, it's been a steady rise to No. 2. In the latest Big 12 conference rankings, the Cowgirls are only behind a familiar foe. Oklahoma softball, the state rival, is the only obstacle between them and both number-one spots.
Leading this offense is Preseason All- American Rachel Bexker. The graduate student came back for another year and has been dominant at the plate. Batting a .511 throughout the 32 games, Bexker has tallied 45 hits in 11 doubles, two triples, and one home run. On the defensive side, the Cowgirls are behind another Preseason All-American. Pitcher Kelly Maxwell has had a fantastic start to her senior season, earning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week opening weekend. Since then, she's pitched 74 innings and notched 125 strikeouts. In addition to leading her team, Maxwell's got the best statistics in the Big 12.
UIW (11-15-1)
The Cardinals are coming into this matchup off a great weekend. After winning the series against Houston Christian on Saturday, UIW fell to the Aggies during a midweek game, but played a great ballgame.
The Cardinals' Preseason All-Southland Team member, Ryleigh Mata is leading the flock at home plate. Batting a .329 average, Mata has accumulated 28 hits including two doubles and nine RBIs. Junior Avalon Sanchez is also rising to the top for the Cardinals. After a great weekend at HCU, where she batted a .600, the catcher has been on a climb. Currently, Sanchez is batting a .326 with eight RBIs.
In the circle UIW has turned to senior Annie Gunther. With a record of 5-3, Gunther is spotting a 2.51 era. In the Southland, she's holding her own with the sixth best stats. The Sachse, Texas native has started to find her groove in the Cardinals recent outings.
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--
