ABILENE, Texas— Hardin-Simmons powered past conference foe Mary Hardin-Baylor in four sets Saturday afternoon, with sets of 25-9, 19-25, 25-23, and 25-20 for a 3-1 victory in American Southwest Conference play at the Mabee Complex.
 
The Cowgirls dominated the opening set behind an efficient attack from middle blocker Jadyn Hernandez, who finished with eight kills and a match-high 12 blocks. After the Crusaders regrouped to even the match with a second-set win, Hardin-Simmons used timely serving and defense to control the final two frames.
 
Abbi Allen led the Cowgirls with 12 kills while adding eight block assists. Hernandez posted a .438 hitting percentage to go with her eight kills and 12 total blocks, and setter Keatyn Rodgers handed out 25 assists. Kat Martinez anchored the back row with 28 digs as Hardin-Simmons out-dug UMHB 71-65.
 
Mary Hardin-Baylor was paced by Natalie Hughes, Baylee Mobley and Raylee Schaffner, who combined for 36 kills, but the Crusaders were hampered by 32 attack errors and a .092 hitting percentage. Setter Kendall Harrington dished out 38 assists and added 11 digs.
 
The Cowgirl block was a difference-maker, as HSU totaled 13 team blocks compared to UMHB's six. After dropping the lopsided first set, UMHB briefly took momentum in the second, hitting .302, but Hardin-Simmons closed the third with key plays at the net and used a late 5-1 run in the fourth including three services aces from Jones to seal the match.
 
Hardin-Simmons improved to 11-3 and 2-1 in conference and will continue ASC play next Friday, hosting Howard Payne at 6 p.m. at the Mabee Complex.
 
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