ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team opened American Southwest Conference play with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-16 sweep of Howard Payne on Friday night at the Mabee Complex.
 
HSU led 15-13 midway through the first set and then rattled off a 10-2 run to close out the game. In the second game, the Cowgirls pulled away a tightly-contested set. Leading 14-13, HSU scored five straight points to open up the lead. HPU closed the gap to 23-21 but kills by Liz Underwood and Gabby Jones closed out the set.
 
In the final game, HSU jumped out to a 13-1 lead and did not look back as it cruised to the win.
 
The match was the first at home for the Cowgirls this season and they now have a three-match winning streak.
 
Jones and Underwood each had 10 kills for the Cowgirls. HSU hit .230 in the match. Kat Martinez had 18 digs to pace the defense. Jones also added eight blocks and Sabrina Nelson had six. Ali Meyer had 20 assists for the Cowgirls and Keatyn Rodgers added 11.
 
Rylee McAlexander led HPU with 12 kills in the match. Kassidy Johnson led the defense with 17 digs.
 
HSU improved to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in league play. Howard Payne fell to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in conference action.
 
The Cowgirls will return to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. when they host Sul Ross State.  
 
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