University of the Incarnate Word Athletics

HAMMOND, LA. – The fourth-seeded Incarnate Word softball team was eliminated from the 2026 Southland Conference Softball Championship on Saturday afternoon with a 6-4 loss to top-seeded Southeastern Louisiana University at North Oak Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• SLU, the host for the Hammond Bracket, opened the game with a four-run first inning of play to take the early lead.
• Incarnate Word got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning with an RBI single by senior Dominique Guerra.
• The Lions responded right away with a two-run home run in the bottom half of the fifth inning to move their lead to a 6-1 advantage.
• With the season on the line, Incarnate Word put two runners on with two out in the top of the seventh before senior Madison Dorrow belted a three-run home run over the right field wall to cut the deficit to 6-4. 
• Unfortunately for UIW, the next batter would fly out to right field and end the 2026 campaign.

NOTES

• Dorrow led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate, driving in three RBI and scoring a run of her own.
• Guerra was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI as well, while senior Victoria Altamirano was once again pitched around and drew three walks in four at-bats.
• Senior Bella Mitchell turned in a strong day in the circle, allowing just two runs on five hits with five strikeouts in 5.1 innings of relief.
• The Cardinals end the year with a 33-21 overall record, including a 17-10 mark in Southland Conference play and a 17-3 showing at home.