MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team advanced to the American Southwest Conference championship game with a come-from-behind 63-62 win over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday evening at Ornelas Gym in Marshall.
 
The Cowgirls trailed 54 to 48 heading into the fourth quarter but came up with a huge defensive quarter and some clutch plays in the final minute to take the win.
 
HSU's three seniors that played in the game opened the period with a quick 7-0 lead to take their first lead since early in the first quarter. Aiken Semones hit a 3-pointer, Kynnan Shields had a basket and Kylie Ellsworth hit a pair of free throws to give HSU a 55-54 lead with 6:51 to play.
 
The teams battled back and forth for the rest of the quarter. Madison Williams hit a pair of free throws with 1:37 to narrow HSU's deficit to 60-59.
 
Both teams had chances to score at the free throw line and eventually Jaycie Briscoe split a pair of free throws with :20 to play. Jaqueline Berry split a pair for HSU with :14 to play. Josie Bruder split a pair of free throws with :11 to play, giving the Cowgirls a chance to tie.
 
Kendra Whitehead drew up a play that was able to get Shields open on the block and she tied the game with :09 to play. UMHB called a timeout but tried to throw a lob over the top but Berry went up and anticipated the play and was fouled over the top as she had perfect position.
   
She made the first free throw with 1.8 seconds left and gave the Cowgirls the win.
 
Berry and Shields led the way for the Cowgirls with double-doubles. Shields had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Berry had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Madison Williams added 12 points and Aiken Semones scored 11.
 
Josie Bruder led the Crusaders with 21 points and Rachel Okoye added 11.
 
The Cowgirls are now 19-7 on the year and UMHB fell to 17-9 overall. The Cowgirls will play the winner of East Texas Baptist and LeTourneau at 6 p.m. on Saturday as they try to defend their league title.
 
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