ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' softball team lost the first game of its spring break schedule to the St. Thomas Celts 11-4 on Wednesday at Ellis Field.

The Cowgirls got off to a rocky start as St. Thomas scored five in the opening inning with a grand slam from Brenna Ruether.

HSU got a couple back with a two-run homer by Sarah Diessner in the bottom of the first, but the Celts came back with three more in the second to lead 8-2. The Cowgirls were unable to mount to full comeback and fell by a final score of 11-4.

The Cowgirls had eight hits, but the Celts led with 19, including four extra-base hits.

Haven Williams started at pitcher for the Cowgirls and had the loss. Kelly Shackelford came in to finish the game and had three strikeouts.

The St. Thomas starter was Lindsey Longuet and she pitched around eight hits and had nine strikeouts in the win, going the distance for the Celts.

The Cowgirls were led offensively by Peyton Newman with three hits including a double. Diessner led with two RBIs off the home run in the first inning.

The Cowgirls fall to 2-7 on the season and will play next on Saturday at Ellis field for a doubleheader against Centenary College starting at 12 noon.

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