GEORGETOWN, Texas — In a rematch of 2019 NCAA Tournament first-round opponents, Southwestern women's soccer turned the tables on Hardin-Simmons University to defeat the Cowgirls 1-0. 

Hardin-Simmons showcased why they were voted the favorites to win the American Southwest Conference, controlling possession with great movement and passing. The Cowgirls generated nine shots in each half, finishing with an 18-5 advantage for the game. 

The Pirate defense showed great resiliency in the box, keeping most of Hardin-Simmons' attempts at a distance. Southwestern goalkeeper Johnna Campbell cleaned up the rest, finishing with five saves and a clean sheet for her third shutout of the week. Southwestern also did a good job negating Hardin-Simmons' size advantage, limiting opportunities off corner kicks and crosses in front of the net. 

Samantha Hazen had her goals streak snapped but did create Southwestern's lone score. The freshman forward received a pass just outside the box and turned inside, finding a gap between three defenders. The shot moved beyond the reach of the diving Hardin-Simmons goalkeeper, hitting the goalpost, leaving a Hardin-Simmons defender frantically trying to clear the ball in front of an empty net and inadvertently scoring on her own goal for the lone score of the game. 

The gifted goal was all Southwestern needed. Despite playing its third game of the week, Southwestern's defense held its own down the stretch, keeping Hardin-Simmons scoreless as the crowd counted down the clock for the victory. 

Southwestern improves to 5-0 with the victory. Next weekend, the Pirates will host Texas Lutheran University on Friday, Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m., and East Texas Baptist on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m.

For more SU Pirate photos, please see Carlos Barron Photography.