BELTON, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl soccer team advanced to the 2025 American Southwest Conference championship match after a commanding 5-1 victory over Howard Payne in the tournament semifinal on Thursday morning at Cru Soccer Field, hosted by Mary Hardin-Baylor.
 
The Cowgirls struck early and often, tallying four goals in the first half to take control of the semifinal matchup. Senior Presleigh Thiessen opened the scoring in the 16^th minute off an assist from Tatum Barnett, who followed with a goal of her own in the 28^th minute to double the lead.
 
Abbey Dugan added two first-half goals, one in the 36^th and another in the 43^rd minute, pushing the score to 4-1 by halftime. Howard Payne's lone goal came on a penalty kick from Brenna Douthit.
 
Barnett sealed the victory just after the break, scoring her second goal in the 47^th minute to give HSU a 5-1 advantage. The Cowgirls outshot the Yellow Jackets 23-9 and controlled possession throughout the match.
 
Goalkeeper Abigail Medlin earned the win, combining with Samantha Longoria and Peyton Scott to hold Howard Payne to just one goal on four shots on target.
 
With the victory, Hardin-Simmons (10-3-2) advances to the ASC Championship match on Saturday, where they will look to capture another conference title against the winner of the UMHB and ETBU game being played later today.
 
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