MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl softball team defeated the McMurry War Hawks 3-0 on Friday morning in the elimination bracket at the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament to advance to the 5:30 p.m. game Friday at ETBU.
 
The Cowgirls fell to LeTourneau in the opening game of the ASC Tournament on Thursday and faced off with McMurry on Friday with both teams facing elimination.
 
Haley Henson had a steal of second base that drew an errant throw that ended up in the outfield, allowing Kristen McMillan to score from third base, giving the Cowgirls a 1-0 lead in the third inning.
 
Madison Mayhew drove in a run thanks to Emily Jacobs flying down the line from third on the ground out, scoring to give the Cowgirls a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning.
 
McMillan extended the lead in the seventh inning to 3-0 on her own determination. After a single, McMillan stole second and moved up to third base on another bad throw into centerfield. She caught the defense napping and rounded third to come home and give the Cowgirls the third run of the game.
 
The Cowgirls won with three runs on five hits and a stellar defensive day from the Cowgirls and starting pitcher Jorey Hood.
 
Hood went for the complete-game shutout in the win, her first of the season, allowing just three McMurry hits with two strikeouts. She allowed just one runner to reach second base in the full seven innings.  
 
The Cowgirls improve to 26-13 and survive and advance in the ASC Tournament. The Cowgirls will play again tonight at 5:30 p.m. at ETBU against the winner of UMHB and LETU in another elimination game.
 
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