Highlight reel from Hardin-Simmons victory
Head coach David McNally shares his thoughts after the HSU triumph

BELTON, TEXAS – A clutch six-run seventh-inning comeback … the program's 100th win coming against crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons.
 
Two headlines of a memorable early May afternoon/evening in central Texas for McMurry University Thursday, May 11. Head coach David McNally's squad, the fourth seed of the 2023 American Southwest Conference championships, used a gritty complete-game outing from senior circle standout Jenna Lewis (Hearne, Texas) in a 4-2 decision over the Cowgirls and a bases-clearing triple off the bat of junior outfielder Mercedes Camacho (El Paso, Texas) in the seventh inning to break open a match-up with top-seeded and tourney host Mary-Hardin-Baylor to propel the Maroon and White to a 7-3 victory.
 
"I've got to be honest – I've never been one to focus on numbers too much," McNally admitted. "However, to get a milestone win like we did today is very memorable in that it occurred in the conference tournament. Jenna continues to step up and battle, which is what she did against Hardin-Simmons."
 
"This group has always been never-say-die," he added. "We had some early opportunities against UMHB, but there wasn't any panic. We got up in the seventh and took advantage of some things, getting a big hit from Mercedes. (Sophomore pitcher) Baylee (Fulps of San Angelo, Texas) needs much credit. She kept us in the game despite UMHB getting some hits and putting pressure on her. She was very steady – just like the rest of the team."
 
Junior outfielder Angelica Abila (Lubbock, Texas) drove in two runs with a one-for-two outing at the plate, while junior catcher Kate Casey (Thorndale, Texas) laid down a perfectly-placed squeeze bunt for an RBI against HSU to guide the offense. With that behind her, Lewis worked around six Cowgirls safeties due to six strikeouts, leaving ten runners on base, notching the staff's 10th consecutive complete game effort.
 
Fulps' sixth win of the season was anchored by Camacho's critical extra-base smash, leading her to a personal single-game best in runs batted in. Freshman infielder Bre Barajas (Abilene, Texas) also homered in the eight-hit attack.
 
McMurry (26-13) moves into the winner's bracket Friday, May 12. They will face fellow unbeaten and second-seeded East Texas Baptist at 3 p.m. on UMHB's Dee Dillon Field.
 
NOTE: The two victories set a new program standard for success in a league tournament and moved the War Hawks to 3-2 all-time in the ASC tourney.