BOX SCORES: Game 1 | Game 2

ABILENE, Texas -- The Concordia University Texas softball team held off a late charge by Hardin-Simmons in the nightcap of a doubleheader to pick up a series split at Ellis Field on Friday afternoon.  The Cowgirls (17-6, 10-2 ASC) won the first game 3-0, but Concordia (15-11, 12-4 ASC) held on for a 6-5 win in the final game of the series.

Freshman #Haylee Staton# (6-4) earned the win in the final game of the series after tossing a complete game and scattering six hits, while allowing one earned run and striking out eight.  The Cowgirls pushed across five total runs against Staton, but only one run was earned.

The Tornados jumped out to a 6-0 lead but the Cowgirls plated two runs in both the fifth and six innings to pull within two runs.  In the bottom of the seventh, Hardin-Simmons threatened again, but could only muster one run as Staton pitched out of jam to help Concordia to the win.

Five Tornados collected two hits each to lead the 12-hit offensive attack.  #Meghan Ferrell# was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.  #Candace Velasquez# went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in.

In the first game on Friday, Concordia was unable to score a run as Hardin-Simmons shut out the Tornados in a 3-0 win.  Concordia outhit HSU 6-4, but left nine runners on base.

#Vicky Recek# was 3-of-4 at the plate to lead Concordia's offense.

The Tornados will host Southwestern on Wednesday, April 7 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock for a non-conference doubleheader.  First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.