ABILENE- No. 7 and defending ASC Champion Hardin-Simmons University escaped with a 3-1 conference victory over visiting Sul Ross Saturday evening.

The Cowgirls recorded their first goal of the outing in the opening minute as Rachel Bean converted from the upper left quadrant off an assist by Kenne Kessler.

Sul Ross then tied the game at the 14th minute as Aylin Villalobos posted her second goal of the season on a penalty kick.

Bean notched her second goal at the 24:36 mark off an assist by Josey Meyer for a 2-1 Hardin-Simmons lead heading to intermission.

Kessler would cap the victory with an unassisted goal in the 82nd minute as the Cowgirls held off a Lady Lobo rally for the 3-1 win.

With Saturday's setback, Sully evens its season and ASC records at 2-2 and 1-1. Hardin-Simmons improves to 3-1 and 3-1.

Sul Ross will take next weekend off before returning to American Southwest Conference action September 27 against visiting East Texas Baptist University.