Box Score The Basics
-Score: St. Edward's 9, Incarnate Word 1 (Game 1): St. Edward's 12, Incarnate Word 3 (Game 2)
-Records: St. Edward's 11-12: Incarnate Word 9-6
-Location: San Antonio, Texas (Cardinals Field)
 
Game 1
How it happened
-LAUREN BRODE drew a two-out walk in the first inning and ALLY VALDEZ hit a two-run homer to put the visitors ahead, 2-0 early. The Valdez long ball was something that would be a common occurrence during the doubleheader.
-In the fourth inning, Valdez flew out to begin the inning. That was her only at-bat of the night that didn't result in a hit. Her teammates picked her up, when FAITH ROBERTS followed with a double down the left field line. A single and stolen base by TORI GONZALEZ put two runners in scoring position.
-KENDALL LUCAS drove in Roberts with a sacrifice fly and BRIANNA BOZON singled home Gonzalez for a 4-0 lead.
-St. Edward's would tack on one run in the fifth inning and would put the game out of reach with four runs in the seventh.
-Hilltopper starting pitcher SARAH DEBROW had her pitches working as she held the Cardinal offense hitless through the first five innings. She ended the game, allowing one run on two hits, while walking one and striking out eight in her complete-game victory.
 
Beyond the Box Score
-The home run by Valdez was her second-straight game to homer and third in her last four games.
 
Game 2
How it happened
-St. Edward's got another brilliant pitching performance in game two. Freshman KATELYN KLUG was outstanding through the first three innings, retiring nine of the first 10 batters she faced.
-The Hilltoppers got a single run in the second inning when MARISSA THOME singled home pinchrunner LAURA ALVARADO with two outs for a 1-0 lead.
-St. Edward's threw up a two-spot in the third inning, when Valdez homered to left-center field with a runner on.
-After adding a run in the fourth inning on a RBI-groundout from KACI OLSON, the Hilltoppers blew the game wide-open in the fifth. St. Edward's sent 11 to the plate, pounding out six hits and scoring eight runs. Valdez stayed hot, starting the inning with a home run and she also provided the final tallies with a three-run home run with two outs in the inning. It was her fourth of the doubleheader.
 
Beyond the Box Score
-Valdez' three home runs in game two set a new school single-game record. The old record of two home runs was held by 10 individuals. This included Valdez this season, along with teammate LAUREN BRODE. They both occurred in the matchup versus Incarnate Word in Austin.
-Klug picked up her first collegiate victory, allowing three runs on five hits, while striking out two.
-For the doubleheader, Valdez was 7-for-8 with nine RBI and five runs scored.
 
Between the Lines with Coach G
Head Coach Lindsay Gardner on her team's performance
“What an amazing two games to watch the girls play. We were running on all cylinders tonight! Our pitching was on point, our defense was flawless, and our bats finally found the gaps.”
 
Coach Gardner on Klug and Valdez
“A special congratulations to freshman pitcher KATELYN KLUG for picking up her first collegiate win. Senior ALLY VALDEZ had an incredible day at the plate. It was an amazing experience for our entire team.”
 
Up Next
The Hilltoppers will be back in action this weekend when they host Heartland Conference newcomer Oklahoma Christian in a three-game series. Friday's single game will start at 3 p.m., while Saturday's doubleheader will begin at Noon. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper athletic website.