JACKSON, Miss. – Hardin-Simmons' softball team split a doubleheader on Saturday in Jackson, Miss., defeating Centenary, 9-1 in the first game and falling 9-7 to Belhaven in the second game.
In the first game, Akayisa Grogran was dominant in the circle. She went all five innings and struck out seven. She did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. Grogan improved to 2-1 on the year.
The Cowgirls got the offense going in the third inning with four hits and four stole bases to plate three runs.
Jazlynn Cantu had an RBI single and later stole home.
Emily Jacobs added an RBI fielder's choice.
In the fourth inning, HSU scored six times.
Grace Thompson had a bases loaded walk for an RBI and Jacobs added a three-run double to left center.
Bailey Miller had an RBI single and
Honor Knott added a sacrifice fly.
Madi Hubbard led the seven-hit attack with two hits and Jacobs added four RBIs. The Cowgirls had five RBIs in the game.
In the second game, Belhaven had a big first inning with a three-run home run from Melissa Lopera and a solo shot by Maryanna Guy.
The Cowgirls battled back with three runs in the third as
Grace Thompson and Miller had RBI singles and another run scored on an error to cut the deficit to 4-3.
Belhaven added a run in the fourth. The Cowgirls took the lead with four runs in the fifth inning. Miller had an RBI single,
Erin Love added an RBI single and
Madi Hubbard had a two-run single.
HSU led 7-5 going to the bottom of the seventh inning but the Blazer scored four time for the win, including a walkoff three-run home run by Kaliegh Steverson.
Kinzley Cantu and Thompson had two hits each for the Cowgirls.
Gabby Montanez took went six and one-third innings for the Cowgirls and
Hannah Aaron took the loss.
The Cowgirls are now 6-3 on the year and will next play on March 3 at Arlington Baptist.
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