BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor softball team dropped a late contest to McMurry University Thursday evening in Belton. The loss dropped the Cru to 29-11 on the season and moved them into the elimination bracket of the tournament. The War Hawks advanced to 26-13 and will play East Texas Baptist University in the ASC semifinals.
 
Grason Long threw a trio of shutout innings to open the game, allowing just one base-runner off a walk. Izzy Gutierrez opened the third frame with a single to center field and her pinch runner, Bralyn Belk, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Bailey Eggleston and a single from Taylor Holman. Belk then scored on a single to right field from Blakely Niles to give UMHB a 1-0 lead. The Cru added two more runs on a single from Julia Crofut to take a 3-0 lead after three.
 
The War Hawks responded in the top of the fourth with a solo home run from Bre Barajas and threatened with bases-loaded in the top of the sixth. Grason Long struck out the second out in that inning before Bailey Eggleston hit a line drive to left field to get the Cru out of the jam. The War Hawks took their first lead of the game in the top of the seventh, scoring six runs off four hits to take a 7-3 lead. UMHB was not able to respond, falling 7-3 to the War Hawks.
 
Grason Long pitched six innings in the circle, giving up one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Kami Flores threw in relief, throwing one inning with four hits and six runs allowed. Izzy Gutierrez led the Cru with three hits while Taylor Holman, Lexi Harris and Elissa Elliott each added two. Julia Crofut had a team-high two RBI while three Crusaders combined for runs.
 
UMHB returns to action on Friday, May 12^th in a 12:30 p.m. contest against UT Dallas. The winner of that game advances to face the winner of Hardin-Simmons University and LeTourneau University at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The double-elimination ASC Championship Tournament runs May 11^th – 13^th at Dee Dillon Field in Belton.