MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' volleyball fell 3-2 in a road match to undefeated No. 2 East Texas Baptist on Friday night in American Southwest Conference action at Ornelas Gymnasium.
 
The Cowgirls pushed the nationally-ranked Tigers to the brink before, alternating set wins until ultimately dropping the contest 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-6. ETBU has now lost nine sets in 24 matches this season, two coming at the hands of the Cowgirls on Friday night.
 
Abbi Allen led Hardin-Simmons offensively, posting 12 kills on an efficient .409 hitting percentage while adding two blocks.
 
Setter Keatyn Rodgers directed the attack with 25 assists, and outside Leigh Jespersen led the back row with 18 digs and swung for eight kills.
 
Hardin-Simmons responded with energy in the second set, limiting errors and capitalizing on transition swings to even the match 1-1.
 
The Cowgirls continued to battle through the fourth frame, relying on timely blocks from middle blocker Jadyn Hernandez, who finished with four blocks out of the 11 total by the Cowgirls in the game, to extend the match to a decisive fifth. However, ETBU served well and attacked efficiently to take the match 3-2 with a win in the fifth set on Friday night in ASC play.
 
Allison O'Shaughnessy finished the match with 13 assists off the bench and Kat Martinez had 14 digs in the contest for the Cowgirls.  
 
East Texas Baptist was paced by a strong performance from outside hitter Graycee Mosley, who tallied 20 kills and 20 digs, while Lindsey Gooch added 14 kills on a .478 hitting percentage.
 
Hardin-Simmons falls to a record of 13-8 and 3-3 in ASC play as the postseason approaches. The Cowgirls return to action next week on October 29 against Sul Ross State at 6 p.m. in the Mabee Complex in Abilene.
 
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