Abilene, Texas – Mary Hardin-Baylor claimed the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, defeating No. 1 seed Hardin-Simmons, 4-3, on penalty kicks after 110 minutes of scoreless play in the 2026 American Southwest Conference Women’s Soccer Championship final. It is the second ASC tournament championship in program history for UMHB.

The Cru are no strangers to extra time this postseason, playing two overtime periods on Thursday before Gracie Ruthven scored the golden goal in a 2-1 victory over East Texas Baptist to advance to the championship final. Hardin-Simmons earned its spot in the final with a 3-1 win over Howard Payne.

ASC Goalkeeper of the Year Aubrey Tipton held firm in goal for the Cru, facing 18 shots from the Cowgirls and finishing with seven saves. Hardin-Simmons goalkeeper Rebecca Hall made four saves. Neither team could break through in regulation or two overtime periods, sending the championship to penalty kicks.

In the shootout, Samantha Boettiger, Leila Cunningham, Baylee Smith and Gracie Ruthven all converted for the Crusaders. Maeve Connerty, Nicole Young and McKenzie Templin scored for Hardin-Simmons, and the Cowgirls’ final two attempts missed to give UMHB the title.

First Team All-ASC defender Allie Angell was named Tournament MVP after playing all 110 minutes of the final.

Mary Hardin-Baylor will learn its first-round destination during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. ET (10:30 a.m. CT) on NCAA.com.

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2026 All-Tournament Team
Allie Angell, Mary Hardin-Baylor (MVP)
Kaitlynn Neill, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Gracie Ruthven, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Aubrey Tipton, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Aras King, Hardin-Simmons
Riley Surratt, Hardin-Simmons
Lexi Templin, Hardin-Simmons
Taylor Lauster, East Texas Baptist
Grace Shurley, East Texas Baptist
Landry Combs, Howard Payne
Abbie Wetzel, Howard Payne