SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team will hit the road after being at home the past three weekends in a row. Following a series win against Northwestern State this past Saturday and a loss at home on Wednesday, UIW is still finding its footing. The Cardinals will face Texas A&M-Commerce (TAMUC) starting on Friday night at 5 p.m. for a doubleheader, then resume again on Saturday at 12 p.m. 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET 

• This will be the first matchup between the two teams in history. 

• TAMUC is in their first year as a Division I program after accepting an invitation to join the Southland last year. 

TAMUC (5-34) 

In their first year in the Southland Conference the Lions are sitting in last place in the latest rankings. Though they have players that are pulling them towards a new beginning. In conference play, TAMUC is 1-14. 

Kaydee Bennett is holding her own for the Lions. The freshman from Caddo Mills, Texas is fourth in the SLC for the highest batting average. With a .347, Bennett has notched 34 hits, including four doubles and five RBIs. She's only had 98 at-bats in the 36 games she's played but is proving to Coach Miller she can be a go-to hitter. On the defensive side of things pitcher Julia Sanchez is doing the most for TAMUC. With a 4.88 era, Sanchez has struck out 70 in the 26 appearances she's made.  

UIW (13-24-1) 

The Cardinals were hot after Saturday's series win but suffered a disappointing loss against UTSA for their midweek matchup. Hopefully, that loss is what will fuel UIW over the weekend.  

The Cardinals have a new hitting leader this week. Senior Kendall McGary has taken the top spot with a .313 batting average in her 96 at-bats. In the 36 games played, McGary has had a total of 30 hits with three doubles, two home runs, and 13 RBIs. The senior has been consistent throughout the year. In SLC statistics, she ranks in the Top 20 for best average. 

Pitcher Annie Gunther still leads the Cardinal staff with a 4.68 era. In her 16 appearances, Gunther has posted a 6-6 record. Madison Floyd is also earning her stripes for UIW. Making 18 appearances, Floyd has struck out 41, a team-high, and has only walked 20 batters.  

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--