Cowgirls Claim 16th Straight ASC Title

November 4, 2018 Chad Grubbs, Director of Athletic Communication

Hardin-Simmons’ women’s soccer team won its 16th straight American Southwest Conference Championship with a 1-0 win over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sunday afternoon at the HSU Soccer Complex. This year’s team continues a rich history for HSU’s women’s soccer team, “The current team inherits a strong culture and tradition. It is a great honor to represent this great program.  The current seniors added to the legacy in their time at Hardin Simmons University,” says head coach Marcus Wood.

The opening minutes of the game were back and forth until the 26:00 minute when Kendell Groom hit Taylor Bernal on a fabulous run, giving her a one on one with the keeper which Bernal finished into the bottom corner for what would be the game-winning goal.

The game was hard fought, but the Cru only managed one shot on goal and four total shots while the Cowgirls had 12 shots and four on goal. HSU also won the corner kicks margin 4-1.

Caitlin Christiansen got another shutout victory with a lone save and Cru keeper Emmy McMaude recorded three saves in her effort.

The Cowgirls had four players receive all-ASC Tournament awards. Baylee FordEvan Pipkin, and Finda Kollie were named to the all-tournament team along with the ASC Tournament MVP Taylor Bernal.

Coach Marcus Wood said that the senior leadership has been the key for this team throughout the season.

“We were not very good in our scrimmage, but we got better every week and are playing at a championship level when it matters the most. The high character of our players is something that Hardin-Simmons people can be proud of.”

HSU moves to 16-1-1 on the year and will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA selection show is Monday at 12:30 on NCAA.com. HSU was No. 1 in the latest NCAA West Region rankings.

The team is excited to play in the NCAA Tournament again, says Coach Wood, “Playing in the NCAA National Championship Tournament is a dream come true for every student-athlete.  Our team could not be more excited to host the first two rounds.”

(added at 1:00p CST)

HSU will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament this weekend in Abilene. The Cowgirls will play the University of Puget Sound on Saturday at a time to be determined. Occidental and Trinity are the other two teams in the bracket and the winners of the two Saturday games will play on Sunday for the right to go to the Sweet 16.

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