Cowgirls Split On Opening Day

Southwestern Boxscore

UMHB Boxscore

RICHARDSON, Texas -- Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team split its matches at the season-opening UT-Dallas Gilbert Memorial Tournament in Richardson on Friday. HSU defeated Mary Hardin-Baylor 25-7, 25-14, 25-13 and fell in three games to Southwestern 25-22, 25-12 and 25-23.

The Cowgirls came out and totally dominated the season opener against UMHB. Kaela Parnell had 13 kills in 18 swings to lead the Cowgirls to a .427 hitting percentage as a team. Brianna Addison added seven kills for HSU. The defense limited The Cru to a -.059 hitting percentage.

Erin Davis, who played at UMHB last season, had 22 assists in her first match as the Cowgirl setter. Sam Lucien and Gracen Harris led a strong Cowgirl defense with 16 and nine digs respectively.

In the nightcap against Southwestern, the Cowgirls played two close games against the Pirates but could not get over the hump. Southwestern is just on the fringe of the AVCA national poll.

Cambra Hughes led the Cowgirls with 10 kills, Parnell had nine and newcomer Chelsie Fowler added eight.

HSU will play UT-Dallas at 10 a.m. on Saturday and will follow that with East Texas Baptist at noon.