BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor softball team took an early lead but could not hold on in a 9-3 loss to top-ranked East Texas Baptist Saturday afternoon in Belton. UMHB drops to 4-9 overall and 1-5 in American Southwest Conference play with the loss. The Tigers improve to 8-0 overall and 6-0 in the ASC with the victory.
 
ETBU took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and second innings. UMHB would take the lead with a three-run third inning. Lexi Harris and Izzy Gutierrez singled home runs and Harris would score on a Tiger error. ETBU responded with single runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings and then added some breathing room with a three-run seventh. Bayleigh Grogan took the loss for UMHB. Four different players had hits for the Cru on the day.
 
UMHB will continue its home stand with a non-conference doubleheader against Houston-Victoria next Tuesday. The Cru and Jaguars are scheduled to play at 3 and 5 pm at Dee Dillon Field.