RICHARDSON, Texas – Southwestern fell 3-2 to UMHB in game one before rallying to defeat Hardin-Simmons 3-1 in their opening day games at UTD.

Two high-powered offenses faced off in the first match of the day. UMHB and the Pirates took to the court again in a rematch of the NCAA First Round Regional match-up last season.

The Cru sprinted out of the gate, leading 8-3 early on before Southwestern pulled even 14-14 on Olivia Drummond's ace. It was a dog-fight to the end and SU prevailed to win 28-26.

It was Southwestern that took the early lead in the second set, 10-5, and UMHB had the response to tie the game 20-20. The Cru rattled off five straight points to take set two 25-20.

It was much of the same in set three as the two teams battled back and forth, but Mary Hardin-Baylor won the set 25-19. SU regrouped to win the fourth set 25-21 on Kaitlyn Foster's ace, but UMHB was just too hot and won the fifth and final set 15-13.

Foster led the Pirate attack with 17 kills while Piper Sisemore added in 14. Nikki Welch had 42 assists and Chandler Lentz posted 24 digs.

Southwestern bookended match two with strong offensive performances, hitting .250 in a 25-15 set one win and a remarkable .375 to win the fourth and final set 25-15; winning the match 3-1.

Hardin-Simmons was held to just .076 attack percentage for the match.

Kate Mitchell led the attack with 16 kills on 39 attempts while Kaitlyn Foster added in 12. Foster led the Pirates in digs with 29 while Nikki Welch added 23 and Chandler Lentz 22. Welch also led the Pirates in assists with 44.

Southwestern returns to the court tomorrow to take on UT Dallas and East Texas Baptist University at noon and 2 p.m.