SAN ANTONIO- Coming back from a 5-0 deficit to score seven unanswered runs, the University of the Incarnate Word softball team Cardinals ended its historic season taking second place at the Southland Conference Tournament.  

The Cardinals made history breaking almost every statical category this season, while achieving a school best 34 wins. It is the most wins the softball team has ever achieved since UIW turned Division I in 2014. The Cardinals also broke their own record with a total of five players nominated to the Southland All- Conference Team and had their first player ever, Victoria Altamirano, chosen as the Southland Conference Player of the Year.  

The SLC Championship game could be described as, "what a game."  

The Lions held a 5-0 lead over the Cardinals all the way through the fourth inning. Finally in the top of the fifth, Dariane Cram killed the scoring drought by slamming a single down the left field line to bring Maddison Guillen home and open up the offense for UIW.  

In the top of the sixth, the Cardinals struck again when Avalon Sanchez hit a stand up RBI double down the left line and advanced Altamirano to third. Maddison Guillen stepped up to the plate and delivered another double to bring home two more Cardinals. Freshman Jaisy Caceres was next up and hit an RBI single to close out the scoring in the sixth as Guillen scored to tie the game. 

Pitcher Larissa Jacquez stayed dominant in the circle and her defense stayed firm around her. Heading into the seventh, it was a tied ballgame. 

Cram singled on the third pitch to put a runner on for the Cardinals. Lemons then reached and UIW had two on with one out. Jasmine Contreras came in to pinch hit and loaded up the bases for the SLC Player of the Year. Without a doubt, Altamirano swung and hit the wall for a two- run RBI double and gave UIW the lead ,7-5.  

In the bottom of the seventh, the Lions hit a three- run home run to take the game.  

UIW finished their historic season 34-17 with the best season averages in history.  

 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.