MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl volleyball team finished the year at the 2025 American Southwest Conference championship match, going down 3-0 to the East Texas Baptist Tigers on Saturday in Marshall.
 
The Cowgirl day was highlighted by senior outside hitter Liz Keidl achieving her 1000^th career kill for Hardin-Simmons. She needed 18 heading into the ASC tournament and recorded ten kills against UMHB and had eight kills in the championship against ETBU.
 
The Cowgirls battled, with rallies to tie the game on multiple occasions in the first set, none more important than tying the game at 24-24 after trailing 23-19. The Tigers took the first set 26-24 in a tight finish and won set two 25-16 to head to set three.
 
The Cowgirls led early in set three, but ETBU clawed its way back and took the final set 27-25 over the Cowgirls to win the ASC championship.
 
Liz Keidl and Kat Martinez were named to the ASC all-tournament team for Hardin-Simmons. Along with Keidl's offense, Martinez led the Cowgirl defensive effort and had 11 digs in the championship match.
 
Leigh Jespersen had a double-double with ten kills to lead the Cowgirls and matched the team lead with 11 digs. Keatyn Rodgers led Hardin-Simmons with 17 assists in the match.
 
The Cowgirls finish the ASC tournament in the championship with a record of 17-10, with head coach Kendall Crisp getting the Cowgirls back in the championship game for the first time since 2013. The NCAA Tournament selection show for Division III volleyball will air Monday, Nov. 17 at 12 noon.
 
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