RICHARDSON - McMurry had its chances, but Hardin-Simmons was too much to overcome and the Cowgirls eliminated McMurry from the American Southwest Conference Tournament in the semi-final round with a 30-28, 30-18, 33-31 sweep Friday evening.

McMurry led 9-2 the first game, and then after an HSU rally, led again 28-24. However, HSU stormed back to score the final six points of the game and went up one game to none. The Cowgirls dominated in game two carrying over the momentum from the first game and won 30-18. In the final game, McMurry made it interesting leading 29-24 and needing just one point to force a fourth game, HSU rallied again and eventually took the final game 33-31.

McMurry struggled with a .037 hitting percentage while HSU posted a .160 mark. Kaela Parnell had 14 kills and seven blocks in the contest to lead the Cowgirls. Terah Brown and Danielle Kelton each had nine kills in the losing effort for McMurry. Brown hit .375 for the game and added three blocks; she'll serve as McMurry's representative on the all-ASC Tournament team.

Erica English had eight kills and a .300 hitting percentage of McMurry. Kelton and Sarah Anding each had 15 digs apiece defensively while Shannon Higgins led with 20 assists. The Cowgirls' AManda Curry had 32 assists and Chelsea Buetow added nine kills for HSU.

McMurry's season ends with a final record of 19-10 - a considerable improvement from 2006 when the team finished 6-26 and missed the conference tournament for the first time since 2000. Jason McAden finished his second season with the team and now has a combined record of 25-36 as head coach. He picked up his 100th win of his career in the season's opening tournament in Greensville, N.C.

McAden and his staff won't say goodbye to one senior as all players are slated to return to the team next season.

HSU will go on to the finals to play the winner of Friday night's matchup between UT-Dallas and Texas Lutheran.