DALLAS, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl softball team was picked to finish second in the American Southwest Conference in a vote of the league head coaches, announced by the conference office on Thursday.
Hardin-Simmons finished second in the 2026 ASC softball preseason poll with 22 points. ETBU took first with 32 points and eight first-place votes. UMHB carried 17 points in the poll and Howard Payne ended with nine points.
The Cowgirls finished the 2025 season 11-5 in ASC and 32-10 overall, playing deep into the ASC tournament.
Emily Jacobs was named the ASC MVP for HSU and head coach
Casey Wilson was named the ASC Coach of the Year last year.
Hardin-Simmons will return seven all-ASC players in 2026.
Emily Jacobs the reigning MVP, Gabby Monatanez and
Akaysia Grogan, the 2025 freshman of the year and newcomer of the year, respectively,
Ella Salinas,
Madi Hubbard,
Jazlynn Cantu round out last year's ASC honorees.
Three Cowgirls were named to the 2026 ASC softball preseason players to watch list, third baseman Hubbard, outfielder Jacobs, and pitcher Montanez.
The Cowgirl season begins on Jan. 31 against Austin College at home at Ellis Field in Abilene with a double-header beginning at 2 p.m.
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