ABILENE, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's soccer team used a pair of big second-half plays to earn a 1-0 win over rival Hardin-Simmons University Thursday evening in Abilene. The win improved the Cru to 13-0-1 on the season and 5-0-1 in American Southwest Conference action while the Cowgirls fell to 11-1-2 overall and 4-1-1 in league play.
 
UMHB outshot the Cowgirls 14-4 in the first half with five shots on frame, but wasn't able to score. Natalie Mason gave the Cru a lead in the 52^nd minute with a goal in the top left corner. Breland Mungia fought off a defender with a short pass to Mason, who kicked it from outside the 18-yard box into the net for the go-ahead.
 
The Cru totaled five shots in the second half while Hardin-Simmons had 14. UMHB also gave up six second-half corner kicks but the defense held the shutout. Hardin-Simmons was awarded a corner with just more than 20 seconds remaining in the contest and looked to even the game. Lauren Stengel got a great shot off with two seconds to spare but UMHB goalkeeper Reagan Williams made a diving save to secure the Cru's 1-0 win.
 
Mackenzie Worthy led the Cru with five shots while Ashley Vensel had three and two other Crusaders added two each. UMHB put six of 19 shots on frame in the contest. Lexi Templin led the Cowgirls with seven total shots as the Cowgirls put four on goal. Reagan Williams earned the shutout win in the net for the Cru, making four saves.
 
This marks the Cru's third win over Hardin-Simmons and first win over the Cowgirls in Abilene. UMHB returns to action on Saturday, October 21^st in a 5 p.m. match at McMurry University in Abilene. The Cru returns to home action on Saturday, October 28^th against Concordia University Texas before embarking in postseason action.