Sept. 2, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's volleyball team opened its season with a pair of 3-0 victories in quadrangular action Thursday night at McMurry's Kimbrell Arena. First-year coach Hugh Hernesman's squad opened the campaign with a convincing 30-26, 30-19, 30-23 over its conference rival Mary Hardin-Baylor in non-conference action. Sophomore Virginia Aguilar and senior Maggie Barnhill led the offensive attack with eight and seven kills respectively. Sophomore Elya Steed led the team with 10 digs. "We didn't have great execution on everything we did, but that will come," said Hernesman. "It is good to get in the win column and install some confidence in this team. They gave great effort." In the second match, the Cowgirls routed Mid-America Christian, 30-19, 30-21, 30-23. Barnhill led the way with nine kills and senior libero Kerra LeBlanc had nine digs. The Cowgirls bettered last season's start when they began 0-9. The Cowgirls will next be in action Sept. 11 at Sul Ross State.