BROWNWOOD, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's soccer team saw its offense come to life in the second half as the Cru posted a 3-0 victory over Howard Payne Monday afternoon in Brownwood. The UMHB women improve to 4-0 overall and in American Southwest Conference play with the win. The loss drops the Yellow Jackets to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the ASC on the spring.
 
The Cru offense had its chances in the first half but could not put in a goal. UMHB out shot Howard Payne 10-1 in the opening 45 minutes, but HPU keeper Delaney Castor recorded six saves to keep it scoreless into halftime. Kelsey White, the Tyler Jermstead State Farm Player of the Game would break the deadlock and she slid a shot past Castor 5:37 into the second half. Kristen Burdick added a goal on a penalty kick to stretch it to 2-0 four minutes later. Maria Rico would provide more breathing room for the Cru with a goal in the 74^th minute to give UMHB a 3-0 cushion.
 
The Cru defense smothered Howard Payne for much of the day, limiting the Yellow Jackets to just three shots on the day. UMHB took 19 shots in the match and put 11 of those on frame. Emmy McMaude went the distance in goal to record her third shutout of the year. Rico led the Cru with six shots and Brynna Gardner and White took three shots apiece.
 
The same two teams will now turn around and face off in Belton. That match is scheduled for Sunday, March 14^th at 2:30 pm at the Crusader Soccer Field.