SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team will host its final Southland conference opponent at home this weekend. The three-game series against Lamar is set to begin on Friday at 2:30 p.m. This will be a special weekend for UIW. Friday's doubleheader will be a 90's themed night and Saturday's match will celebrate the Cardinal's seven seniors.  

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THE LAST TIME THEY MET     

• The Cardinals haven't faced Lamar since 2021. 

• In their last matchup UIW won by a score of 5-1.  

• The overall record is in favor of the Beaumont Cardinals who lead 12-4 overall.  

• Annie Gunther was accredited the win the last game after pitching all seven innings and striking out three.  

Lamar (15-31) 

The Cardinals are currently on a two-game winning streak after taking the series from HCU this past weekend and getting the midweek win over Texas Southern on Tuesday. In the latest Southland Conference rankings, Lamar is only one seat above UIW. 

The senior Sam Bean leads Lamar in hitting with a .326 batting average on the year. The Rockwall, Texas native has collected 43 hits and 27 runs in her 132 at-bats. Accounted for in those hits, Bean has totaled 10 doubles, a triple, six home runs, and 19 RBIs. The senior has been the most consistent player for Lamar this season.  

On the defensive end, Aaliyah Ruiz has been holding down the fort. The right-handed pitcher from Beeville, Texas is spotting a 3.87 era. In her 25 appearances, Ruiz has tallied 69 strikeouts. Going into the weekend, Ruiz has a record of 8-11.  

UIW (14-26-1)  

The Cardinals are coming off a tough weekend against a conference opponent. Heading into the game on a one-game losing streak, they're looking to close out home play with a win.  

Sitting one seat behind the Beaumont Cardinals in the Southland Conference standing, this weekend will be a true test to the power of UIW. Won games are the only statistic the Cardinals fall behind compared to Lamar. In conference statistics for batting, pitching, and fielding UIW is numerically better. 

Kendall McGary and Ryleigh Mata are still leading the flock offensively. McGary (.305) has gotten 32 hits with four doubles, a triple, a home run, and 16 RBIs. Mata (.302) has accumulated 39 hits with four doubles and 14 RBIs. Both Cardinals have gotten on a total of 87 bases. Overall, UIW is batting an average of .256.  

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--UIW CARDINALS--