SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word Softball team went 4-1 at the Camel Stampede hosted by Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Carrying on the best start since turning Division I in 2013, the Cardinals are on the road to what they hope to be a fantastic season. Looking at their now 9-1 record, the hope looks promising. 

After defeating Saint Joesph's 13-5 in the opening game of the tournament, UIW suffered its first loss against the host, Campbell University, 4-5. In the all-out battle, the Camels got the win scoring a single run in the bottom of the ninth inning. This disappointment Friday night proved to fuel the Cardinals as they won each of the games through the weekend.   

Senior pitcher Maddy Blake got her first win of the year as UIW defeated Winthrop in their only matchup of the tournament. Coming into pitch for Larissa Jacquez in the top of the seventh with the game tied at four, Blake went three up, three down including a double play by her infield. Baylee Lemons helped UIW in that inning as well with the conversion of the double play coming from her play at short. Like their Friday game, this moved into extra innings, but UIW came out on top. In the bottom of the eighth and bases loaded, Marissa Espinoza was hit by a pitch to bring home Ayla Gonzales for the win.  

In their rematch against the host, UIW took the win. Though again, it was an intense battle that went for eight long innings for a score of 2-1. Annie Gunther took home the win pitching three innings, facing nine batters, and allowing two hits. For the win in the top of the eight, Ryleigh Mata reached on a fielder's choice with just enough time for Aaliyah Garcia to run home from third for the game winning run. In the bottom of the eighth with UIW seeing the win in arms reach with one out to go, Gunther got her batter to strikeout to win the game. 

To close out the Camel Stampede, the Cardinals faced the Hawks from Saint Joseph's University. Jacquez, now 2-1, brought home the win with her second shutout of the season. In the seven innings, she allowed five hits, three walks, and struck out a UIW career-high eight batters. Shaw led all batters with three hits. Jillian Guiterrez got her first double of the year that earned her an RBI, putting UIW on the board in the fourth inning. The Cardinals took home the win 5-0 to make their overall record 9-1. 

UIW will participate in UTA's 5th Boerner Invitational this weekend, March 1-3. 

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--UIW CARDINALS--