SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team defeated #1 ranked McNeese in challenging game that came down to all seven innings. Pitcher Samantha Portillo took home the win, pitching a complete game, only allowing five hits, two runs, and five strikeouts.  
The Cardinals win over the Cowgirls becomes the biggest win in program history, as McNeese is a team ranked in the Top 45 in the nation.  
MSU (3-2) 
UIW started of strong, as early in the first inning the SLC Player of the Year, Victoria Altamirano, slashed a home run to right centerfield for the first score of the game. For the next four innings, both teams struggled to put runs on the board. 
Sophomore Portillo showed out for the Cardinals, holding the Cowgirls scoreless till the bottom of the fifth. MSU then homered themselves and the game was tied.  
UIW answered back in the sixth putting up two runs to hold a lead. Maddison Guillen hit a sac fly out to right field giving just enough time to bring Altamirano home and advancing Jillian Guiterrez to third. Just as the play kept moving, the Cowgirls suffered a throwing error and Guiterrez was called home to extend the lead. UIW looked confident as the sixth came to a close.  
The Cardinals didn't score in the seventh and MSU only needed two runs to win the game. Portillo forced two outs against the first two batters and the Cardinals only needed one more out for the upset. The Cowgirls were able to get one run after a double that had the crowd on the edge of their seat. Just as MSU had hope, the Cowgirls grounded out to Baylee Lemons who threw to Altamirano for the final out of the game. 
The win over the three- time defending SLC Champions was the first loss the Cowgirls had suffered in 10 SLC tournament games.  
UIW will now face the host school, Southeastern Louisiana, in a #4 vs #2 matchup Thursday, May 9, at 1 p.m.  
 
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