ABILENE, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor softball team split the day with Hardin-Simmons University Friday evening in Abilene. The Cru moved to 12-12 on the season and 6-8 in American Southwest Conference action while the Cowgirls went to 20-4 overall and 9-2 in ASC play.

The Cowgirls were first to score in game one with a sacrifice fly in the first inning. UMHB responded with two three-up, three-down frames before Hardin-Simmons added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI double. The Cowgirls brought their lead to four in the bottom of the fifth on a throwing error. 

The Cru fought back in the top of the sixth inning with an RBI single from Kylie Hoggatt to score Kaitlin Powers. Allyse Castillo followed that with an RBI single to left field to drive Madeline Stephenson home, cutting the gap 4-2. A Bailey Frenzel home run in the seventh inning brought the margin to one, but the Cru could not overcome the deficit, falling 4-3. 

Eileigh Whyte pitched the complete game for UMHB, allowing one earned run on two hits with three strikeouts. UMHB recorded 10 hits led by Lindsey Polleschultz with three. 

Hardin-Simmons was first on the board in game two, scoring on an RBI single in the bottom of the third. The Cowgirls brought their lead to two in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI through the left side.

UMHB fought back in the final inning with back-to-back singles from Stephenson and Castillo. Bryton Wright took the lead for the Cru with a three-run home run to put UMHB up 3-2. The Cowgirls put a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the frame, but the Cru held them to secure the 3-2 win. 

Chloee Mason claimed the win for UMHB, throwing a complete game with two runs on nine hits and four strikeouts. The Cru recorded seven hits, led by Castillo with two. 

UMHB returns to action Saturday, April 6th in a 12:00 p.m. contest to close the three-game series against the Cowgirls in Abilene.