Abilene, Texas – The No. 1 seeded Hardin-Simmons women's basketball team won the 2026 American Southwest Conference Women's Basketball Championship with a 73-46 victory over No. 2 Howard Payne on Saturday afternoon.
The Cowgirls set the tone early in a competitive first quarter, leading 17-13 after 10 minutes of play. Hardin-Simmons controlled the glass from the start, pulling down 12 offensive rebounds in the opening quarter alone to create second-chance opportunities.
After holding a slim advantage early, Hardin-Simmons broke the game open in the second quarter. The Cowgirls outscored Howard Payne 24-6 in the period, building a 41-19 halftime lead. A balanced offensive attack fueled the surge, highlighted by nine made three-pointers in the first half — surpassing their semifinal total. Dylan Koele led all scorers with 11 first-half points, while Jacqueline Berry contributed on both ends of the floor.
The third quarter featured steady scoring from both teams, but a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Tayley Bullen extended the Cowgirls’ lead to 59-35 entering the final period. Hardin-Simmons maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, relying on consistent contributions across the roster to secure the conference title.
Hope Hermesmeyer led all scorers with 18 points, and tournament MVP Jacqueline Berry finished with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. She also added four assists and two steals in the win. With the victory, Hardin-Simmons earns the ASC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship.
2026 ASC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
MVP - Jacqueline Berry, Hardin-Simmons
Hannah Ayala, East Texas Baptist
Rachel Okoye, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Caroline Croft, Hardin-Simmons
Abbie Crow, Hardin-Simmons
Hope Hermesmeyer, Howard Payne
Caitlyn Panuco, Howard Payne
Awards Photo Gallery
Hardin-Simmons Press Conference
Game Highlights