LONGVIEW, Texas -- LeTourneau softball closed out their third series of conference play against Hardin-Simmons. An early lead in game four would not be enough as Hardin-Simmons secured the sweep over the YellowJackets with scores of 11-1 and 9-7. 

The losses drop LeTourneau to 12-20 (4-6 ASC), while the Cowgirls move to 23-4 (7-1 ASC). 

GAME ONE: Hardin-Simmons 11, LeTourneau 1  

LeTourneau got off to a solid start at the plate, snatching an early 1-0 lead, but unfortunately the bats ran cold after the opening frame. 

Kirstin Ferguson made the game three start and would ultimately be handed the loss despite completing six innings of work and striking out three, the loss moves Ferguson's record to 5-8. 

Paiton Altmiller made her 10th appearance of the campaign, pitching an inning in relief.

Leighton Landreth was responsible for the only run scored for the YellowJackets, as her RBI single was enough to score the speedy Jenna Carter from second. 

Landreth, Carter, Jaci Taylor, and Rylie Shipp were responsible the five LeTourneau hits. Carter was the only Jacket with a multi-hit performance. 

Hannah Aaron (2-1) was awarded the win, pitching all six innings and allowing just one run. 

GAME TWO: Hardin-Simmons 9, LeTourneau 7

LeTourneau started game two with their offense firing on all cylinders as they jumped out to a 6-1 lead. 

This lead would last for the majority of the game, but Hardin-Simmons came back to tie the game 6-6 in the top of the fifth inning. 

After surrendering the lead, the YellowJackets quickly answered, taking back their lead 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning. 

The visiting Cowgirls would land the final blow, however, scoring a pair of runs in the top seventh inning, which would ultimately earn them the win with a final score of 9-7. 

Akaysia Grogan (6-1) got the win in relief for the Cowgirls, pitching two innings in her appearance. Laney Taylor was handed the loss, completing six and a third innings, and striking out three. 

Five YellowJackets tallied multi-hit games, Taylor, Carter, Kylie Grisham, Maddi Smith, and Payton Bauer made up the list. 

UP NEXT

The YellowJackets return to action in a double header on Tuesday evening starting at 4 p.m. to take on conference rival East Texas Baptist.

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