SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team will host the 2024 Cardinal Classic to make its mark into NCAA Softball opening weekend. Along with the Cardinals, teams participating in the classic are Prairie View Texas A&M, Lindenwood University, and the University of Buffalo. Games start at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 9, and last through Sunday, February 11. You can find the full tournament schedule here.
The Cardinals will start play at 2:30 p.m. on Friday when they take on the Lions from Lindenwood. After falling short in the conference tournament last May, UIW looks to start their season strong as the Southland Conference underdogs.
"We can't wait to open at home and get this season started" stated Head Coach Kimberly Dean. "We have some high expectations and goals for this year and believe the teams we have coming to our tourney will create a great opportunity for us to see all the progress we've made and the areas we can continue to grow to help us better prepare for conference."
Ryleigh Mata will return for her third season with the Cardinals. The junior from Santa Fe, Texas batted a .288 last year while also acquiring Southland Second-Team All- Academic honors. The 2023 season's leading hitter, Victoria Altamirano will also return for her second year with UIW. The sophomore led the Cardinals batting a .300 while becoming a dominant force in UIW's outfield. Along with a few big-name returners, Coach Dean has added a couple new names to her roster. Bringing in 12 freshman and four transfers, this new batch of Cardinals will be ones to watch.
"We have a great group of experience and new talent that I truly believe will push this program in the right direction," stated Coach Dean.
FOLLOW THE GAMES
THE LAST TIME THEY MET
Lindenwood
This will be the Cardinals' first test against the Lions in program history. After finishing 16-32 last year, Lindenwood looks to start the season strong. In the preseason OVC polls, the Lions were picked to finish seventh.
Buffalo
The Cardinals and the Buffalos have met up two times before. In 2018, Buffalo handed the Cardinals a 4-0 loss in Madeira Beach, Florida. Though, none of these current players have met up before.
Prairie View Texas A&M
In the latest matchup in April of 2023, PVAMU beat UIW 6-2. Though, in history, the Cardinals have the upper hand, winning 15 of the total 18 matches in the past 10 years.
Parking
Parking will be available all along the baseball and softball fields and to the right the McDermott Center. Please fill out the link here once parked in that area.
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--
