University of Incarnate Word sophomore midfielder Sinead Duffy remembers the trials that come with a transformation.

In early 2023, Jake Plant arrived in San Antonio as the Cardinals’ third head coach in as many seasons with a new vision, formation and style of play. The changes, as can be the case during a transition, weren’t always seamless.

What a difference a year makes.

Duffy scored two goals as Incarnate Word topped UTSA 3-2 on Sunday in both teams’ first scrimmage of the spring season at Park West Complex.

“I think we showed our growth from where we came from last spring to where we are now,” Duffy said.

At a stage when teams usually are trying to develop chemistry and define roles, UIW looked in midseason form as it grabbed a 3-1 advantage in a matchup of squads that a year ago barely missed qualifying for their respective conference’s postseason tournament.

Duffy scored twice off assists from junior forward Meredith Caviglia, the first in the 29th minute and the second in the 69th for the game-winner. Junior midfielder Zara Dominguez started the scoring sequence on Duffy’s second goal with a perfect pass to Caviglia.

Freshman midfielder Alexis Knutson put in a pass from junior forward Addison Rodriguez in the 54th minute for the Cardinals’ other goal.

“Last season, I was still struggling with an injury and now I’ve come back and it felt so good today,” said Caviglia, who suffered a knee injury late in the 2022 season. “Today, I was free and playing with the passion back.”

UTSA closed within 3-2 with about three minutes left when junior midfielder/forward Olivia Alvarez tallied her second goal, heading in a pass from freshman midfielder Sophie Morrin. Alvarez converted on a penalty kick in the 34th minute to tie it at 1-1.

The Roadrunners, though, came up short in a bid for a tying goal in the waning moments.

“I think for our first game, we learned a lot,” UTSA junior forward/midfielder Jordan Walker said. “I think we definitely deserved the result, but I think we’re going to come back better. We just have to get out on the field and practice together. I think it’s a lot of newbies, a lot of transfers. We have all the talent, we just kind of have to build that chemistry on the field.”

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