SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team took down the reigning Southland Conference champions for the second time in two days. After handing McNeese its first loss in 10 SLC Tournament games on Wednesday, the Cardinals did it again after a fantastic performance at the plate.  

After losing the first game against SLU this morning, the Cardinals were facing elimination heading into the evening game. Matched up against McNeese once again, the Cowgirls were looking for revenge after UIW upset them the day before. 

With Thursday night's victory over the Cowgirls, the Cardinals are headed to their first Southland Conference Championship in history. Earlier in the year, the SLC Preseason Poll had picked UIW to finish eight out of all nine teams.

MSU (8-7) 

In another thrilling matchup with the Cowgirls, UIW held on for an 8-7 victory as McNeese went on a late run rally in the bottom of the seventh.  This is just the fourth time this year McNeese has lost against a Southland opponent, two of the losses have come from UIW. 

The Cardinals started off hot, scoring the first six runs in the first three innings. A triple by Jillian Guiterrez brought home Avalon Sanchez to put UIW on the board. Then in the same play, the Cowgirls suffered an error that allowed Guiterrez to run home. The offensive momentum flowed on to the second inning where UIW put another three runs on the board to extend the lead to five.  

In the top of the third inning, Baylee Lemons singled up the middle for Jaisy Caceres to run home. The 6-0 lead over McNeese gave UIW their largest lead of the game. Though in the bottom of the third, the Cowgirls answered back, putting one run on the board.  

Heading into the seventh inning, UIW only held a three- run lead over the Cowgirls. To give themselves some cushion, Ryleigh Mata singled through the left side of the field, bringing home Marissa Espinoza for the seventh score for UIW. Shortly after with two Cardinals on base, pinch hitter Jasmine Contreras slammed a single through the right side and Jaisy Caceres ran in for the score. The 8-3 lead seemed to be enough heading into the bottom of the seventh.  

Sophomore pitcher Samantha Portillo pitched during the win over the Cowgirls yesterday and once again delivered for UIW when they needed it most. With just three outs needed for victory, Portillo struck out the first batter she faced. MSU caught some momentum and had two back-to- back hits putting three runners in scoring positions. UIW got the second out of a fly ball to center field, and the Cowgirls weren't done yet. With two still in scoring position, a Cowgirl hit a two RBI double, bringing them to a to 8-6 match up. MSU then scored another and made it a one score game. UIW sealed the deal as the last Cowgirl lined out to right field for the last out of the game.  

UIW will now face SLU in the Southland Conference Championship Game at 12 p.m. tomorrow, Friday May 10th. It will be the first championship the Cardinals have been to since turning Division I in 2014.  

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