ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Softball finished up a three-game series across the tracks against local rival Hardin-Simmons on Saturday, falling in the series finale by a 6-2 final at HSU's Lou Morton Ellis Field.

The Cowgirls continued their strong season with a series sweep, improving to 24-7 overall and 15-6 in American Southwest Conference play. The War Hawks remain among the top eight teams despite the series loss, falling to 16-15 overall and 10-13 in the ASC.

McMurry trailed 2-0 after three innings, but got one back in the fourth on a solo homer by local product Kayla Otis. The turning point came in the fifth inning, as Karis Hessert hit her third homer of the series – a three-run blast – to give HSU a 5-1 win. The team scored one more in the inning to make it 6-1.

The story would not be over there, as Cayleigh England led off the sixth inning with a solo shot to left field to re-energize the War Hawk bench. Otis followed her with a single, then moved to second after a walk to fellow Abilene native Camille Scott. This prompted a pitching change for HSU, bringing in Haven Williams.

Jessika Truax pinch hit after the change, reaching on a single and moving both runners up to load the bases with nobody out. With the tying run at the plate and the pressure on, Williams retired three in a row to kill the momentum.

England kept the game alive with a two-out single, but a fielder's choice out in the next at-bat ended the game and the series.

Otis and England had two hit days with their homers and singles. The top of the order – Angelica Abila, Grace Duecker and Emily Michki – joined Truax with one hit days.

The War Hawks will take a break from action next weekend, but return home for their next series April 22-23 against Howard Payne at Edwards Field.