ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' softball team split an American Southwest Conference doubleheader with Howard Payne, falling 4-0 in the first game before winning the second game 14-9 for its first win of the season.

It was also the first career win for Chanin Naudin, who is in her first season as the Cowgirls' head coach.

Game 1

In the first game, the Cowgirls couldn't solve Howard Payne pitcher Kendra Evans who scattered two hits and did not allow a run over six innings. Tia Campos worked a scoreless seventh inning. Slater had three hits for the Lady Jackets.

Gabby Ortega worked four and one-third innings and allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out seven batters. Cierra Woodyard had two of the three hits for the Cowgirls.

Slater had a solo home run in the second inning for Howard Payne and Boucher had an RBI single in the fifth and two more runs scored on bases loaded walks.

Game 2

It was an offensive explosion for the Cowgirls in the second game as HSU pounded season highs in hits with 18 and runs with 14 for their first win of the season.

HPU scored a run in the first and the Cowgirls responded with four runs on four hits and three HPU errors in the first inning. Shadye Millican had an RBI groundout, Lexia Allen an RBI single, Taylor Lopez an RBI groundout and another run scored on an error.

HSU added four more runs in the second inning. Kenyon had a two-run double, Kaycee Koiner an RBI single and Allen added an RBI triple to make it 8-1.

HPU scored two runs in the third inning on a two-run single by Slater. HSU responded with two runs on an RBI fielder's choice by Woodyard and another run scored on a wild pitch, The Jackets then scored four runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to cut the deficit to 11-9.

The Cowgirls added three more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Laura Guerrero was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Perez had a two-run double.

Audrey Simpson took the loss for Howard Payne, allowing eight runs in two innings. Campos and Evans worked in relief. Shawnece Jones had four hits for the Lady Jackets.

Lexie Allen earned the win with four innings of work to improve to 1-9. Gabby Ortega earned a three-inning save.

Woodyard led the Cowgirls with four hits from the leadoff spot and Allen had three hits and drove in two runs. Emily Perez and Kirsten Kenyon also had two RBIs each for the Cowgirls.

HSU is now 1-24 on the year and 1-16 in league play. Howard Paye is 6-16-1 overall and 3-11 in conference play. The teams will play a single game at noon on Saturday.