ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl team routed the Southwestern Pirates 4-0 on Saturday night at the HSU Soccer Complex on Grape Street to improve to 4-1-1 on the season.
 
The Cowgirls had to settle in against Southwestern at home before opening up the gates in the 28^th minute.
 
Senior transfer Grace Bales got her first goal as a Cowgirl on a finish thanks to a Presleigh Thiessen assist crossed in to take the Cowgirl lead 1-0 in the 28^th minute.
 
A second Cowgirl goal was added off the head of Taylor Garrett, her first of the season, after a corner kick in from Kaylee Maddox to extend the Cowgirl lead 2-0 in the 29^th minute.
 
It took the Pirates a while to come back for the second half, but it only took the Cowgirls seven minutes in the second half for the third Cowgirl goal, this time off the foot of Lexi Templin. The goal came in the 52^nd minute after a shot on goal from Gabby Aviles rebounded off the keeper, giving Aviles the assist.
 
Rachel Bonnin ripped a ball from the tight corner that was saved, but Kirsten Bush found the rebound for another Cowgirl goal in the 84^th minute to finish off Southwestern 4-0.
 
The Cowgirls fought through some lopsided foul counts to lead with 34 shots and 13 shots on goal against the Pirates, exceeding their opponents in either category. Hardin-Simmons also led with five corner kicks.
 
Jenna Russell started in goal for HSU and played the first half with a save and Abigail Medlin played the second half and ended with three saves in the combined shutout of Southwestern.
 
The Cowgirls move to 4-1-1 on the season and will roll into a game with Concordia Texas on Monday night at the HSU Soccer Complex kicking off at 6 p.m.
 
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