SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word softball team was swept by the Tigers from Southeastern Louisiana in a three game conference series. This was the highest scoring series the Cardinals had been a part of this season.  

Game 1 (12-8)  

It was a high scoring game for both teams as the Cardinals and Lions combined for 18 runs total. In addition, the game saw 26 total hits including two home runs and nine doubles. Though both had hot bats, Southeastern took the first of the series, 12-8. 

You could blame the rain for the high number of hits that happened throughout the night. The rainy weather proved to be a struggle for both teams as both pitchers struggled to hang onto the slippery ball.  

The Cardinals struck first putting three runs on the board in the first inning. With loaded bases Aaliyah Garcia hit a double to centerfield to score all three UIW players. The Cardinals were up 3-0 until the third inning.  

SLU came roaring back as the innings went. With a lead of six heading into the fifth, the Cardinals scored three more to inch closer.  but it wasn't enough to overpower the Lions. An RBI single from Julia Cordon brought in Garcia to make the game 11-6. Right after, Ryleigh Mata slammed a double for two RBIs. As the game was 11-8, the Lions lead was too much for the Cardinals.  

Game 2 (10-7) 

In another high scoring battle, SLU came out on top to take the game 10-7.  

After trailing by five in the bottom of the first, Garcia slashed a single to the left side to bring home Mata and put a run up for the Cardinals. Things went dim for UIW bats as they couldn't find another run until deep in the ballgame. 

Down by eight in the bottom of the sixth, the Cardinals came to play. With bases loaded again, Lemons stuck a double into left centerfield that scored all and placed her on second. As Maddison Guillen made her way to the plate, she reached on an error by the Lions' second basemen and Lemons scored. And with another single by Aaliyah White, Abby Franked walked in.  

Though with the insane effort the Cardinals gave, SLU still nabbed the win in the ballgame.  

Game 3 (3-2) 

The Cardinals led all the way until the top of the fifth inning until the Lions tied it. With a much lower runs total (5) the series had seen, SLU took the third game to complete the sweep over UIW.  

Victoria Altamirano was responsible for the two runs on the board. As only the third batter Lions' pitcher Comeaux had to face, Altamirano slashed one of the deepest home runs this season. With the homer, she scored herself and Dariane Cram.  

Southeastern didn't see its first run until the top of the fourth as UIW pitcher, Annie Gunther pitched a fantastic game. Even though Gunther was credited for the loss, she pitched the full seven innings and captured four strikeouts. Gunther's record moves to 5-6 on the season.   

The Cardinals are back in action on Wednesday night for a midweek matchup against Prairie View A&M.  

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--UIW CARDINALS--