SAN ANTONIO, TX – The University of the Incarnate Word softball team collected an 8-0 non-conference victory over Texas Southern University in just six innings on Saturday afternoon at Cardinals Field.

With the win, Incarnate Word moves to 18-8 overall, while Texas Southern falls to 11-5 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Incarnate Word was aggressive on the base paths early, as a double steal of second and home brought senior Victoria Altamirano across the plate for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
• RBI doubles from junior Jaisy Caceres and Erin Perez followed by a sacrifice fly from sophomore Kennedy Hill, gave the Cardinals a 4-0 advantage through an inning of play.
• The Cardinals added to their lead with two runs in the fourth on a two-run home run from Altamirano, while Caceres sent a ball over the fence in the fifth to build the lead to 7-0.
• Junior Bryanna Fuentes ended the game with an RBI in the bottom of the sixth, enforcing the NCAA run rule for Incarnate Word.

NOTES

• Senior Elly Eckrich (2-0) collected her second win of the season after allowing just three hits with four strikeouts across 5.1 innings in the circle.
• Junior Ava Hernandez struck out the only two batters she faced in her eighth appearance of the year.
• Altamirano was a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with a home run, two runs, two RBI, and two walks, as well as a stolen base.
• Caceres finished 2-for-3 with a double and a home run to go along with two RBI and a run scored, while junior Sydney Zenon was also 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base.

UP NEXT
Incarnate Word returns to Southland Conference competition on Friday, March 13, to begin a three-game series with Nicholls State University at home. Friday's doubleheader with the Colonels is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m., with Sunday's finale confirmed for a 1:00 p.m. first pitch.