GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern University hit its first block of the season as they dropped two home contests to a tough ASC squad, Hardin Simmons. The Pirates fell 10-6 in game one and 3-2 in game two to fall to 4-2 on the year.

Game 1: SU 6, HSU 10

Hardin-Simmons University took the opener of this afternoon’s softball doubleheader at Taylor-Sanders Field 10-6 over host Southwestern. The Cowgirls, aided by some shaky Pirate defense used a four run rally in the top of the sixth to take control of what had been a back and forth game.

Southwestern starting pitcher Kaitlyn Pavlicek battled through five innings allowing eight runs, only five of which were earned, and striking out five. She was relieved by game two’s starter Kara Solomon, who went the final two innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts.

The Cowgirls wasted no time in this contest, scoring three runs in the top of the first, keyed by an RBI triple by Kayla Dickerson and an RBI double by Kelsey Codgell. The Pirates responded in their half of the inning, scoring twice on Katelyn Gola’s RBI double and Pavlicek’s RBI single.

After retiring HSU in the top of the second Southwestern built a 6-3 lead, scoring twice in each of the second and third innings. Blair Wallace drove in a run on a single in the second and Aly Pulver added an RBI double in the third.

From that point it was all Hardin-Simmons. They scored twice in the fourth before putting the game away in the sixth. In that critical sixth inning the Cowgirls were aided by three Pirate errors, but also accumulated five hits before being retired by Solomon.

Cowgirl’s starter Sarah Shubert lasted only two innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits. She was picked up by her relief however, as Lacie Cole held the Pirates scoreless over the last five frames.

Offensively HSU was led by second baseman Amy Meyer who went three for four with three runs scored. DH Meagan Ulmer added two hits, a run, and two RBI.

Blair Wallace and Katelyn Gola led the way for the Pirates each adding three hits, an RBI, and a run scored. Haley Hughes, Aly Pulver, and Taylor Turpin each contributed two hits.

Game 2: SU 2, HSU 3

Southwestern starting pitcher Kara Solomon was spectacular in game two of today’s doubleheader. Unfortunately, Hardin-Simmons’ Megann Lewis was just a little bit better as the Cowgirl’s beat the Pirates 3-2 to complete the sweep at Taylor-Sanders Field this afternoon.

Solomon was dominant early taking a no-hitter and a two run lead into the top of the sixth. Cowgirl’s leadoff hitter Lacie Cole broke up the no-hit bid with a single to left, then Kayla Scaramuzzo followed with a swinging-bunt single of her own. After Meagan Ulmer reached on an error the bases were loaded with nobody out and Solomon and the Pirates looked to be in big trouble. But the freshman showed great toughness, pitching out of the jam, allowing only one run on a misplayed groundball by shortstop Amanda Ambrose. On the play Solomon was helped by an excellent throw by centerfielder Taylor Turpin who threw out Scaramuzzo at home for the second out. Then Solomon helped her own cause, snaring a blistering line drive off the bat of Taylor Namey to retire the side.

After the Pirates went 1-2-3 in their half of the sixth HSU took control in the seventh. Back to back doubles to lead off the inning by Kelsey Cogdell and Amy Meyer tied the game at two. A Callie Rice sacrifice pushed Myer to third and one batter later she scored to give HSU their first lead of the game on Lacie Cole’s grounder to second.

All of the offense for the Pirates came on one swing of Haley Hughes’ bat. The freshman first baseman homered to left with two outs in the first to give the Pirates an early 2-0 lead.

Today’s losses were the first of the season for the Pirates, dropping their overall record to 4-2. They will play another doubleheader at home Saturday against Mary Hardin-Baylor beginning at 1:00 PM.