ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl softball team defeated the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets for two games on Saturday by final score of 3-0 and 3-1, the first being in American Southwest Conference play to finish the sweep.

The Cowgirls finish the weekend 22-3 and 11-1 in the ASC. Hardin-Simmons is at the top of the conference with a two-game lead over Mary Hardin-Baylor at 9-3 in the ASC after Saturday. HSU will travel to Belton to play the Cru next weekend.

The Howard Payne defense tightened up on the Cowgirls after allowing 32 hits in two games Friday, holding HSU to just five hits in game one and eight in game two on the day.

The Cowgirl pitching staff had a clean day, with Haven Williams going the distance in game one with just four hits allowed and six strikeouts and Kylie Ruiz taking the circle in game two for another complete game with seven strikeouts.

Kaylen Washington and Ashley Easley led the first game with two hits each for the Cowgirls. Madison Mayhew and Lindsey Ratcliffe added RBIs for the Cowgirl win in the 3-0 shutout.

In game two, Mayhew and Grace Thompson had big doubles for the Cowgirls in the 3-1 win, Mayhew driving in two runs for Hardin-Simmons.

The Cowgirls wrap up Howard Payne and improve to 22-3 and 11-1 in first place in the ASC with a date at UMHB, playing on Thursday at 3/5 p.m. and Friday at noon for Easter weekend.

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