BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne women's soccer team fell in their conference opener against Hardin-Simmons University 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Citizens National Bank Field.

Last season the Lady Jackets tied 1-1 with conference power Hardin-Simmons in the regular season finale. Howard Payne did not get a repeat or better last year's outing falling 2-0 to Hardin-Simmons in the American Southwest Conference opener for both teams.

Hardin-Simmons got goals in the 17th and 74th minutes of the match. The Lady Jackets would have their opportunities recording five shots on goal, eight total for the match. Marley Zochert would get three of the Lady Jacket shots on goal with Marlene Gillespie and Taylor Bicknell recording the fourth and fifth.

Kelsie Piland got the loss for Howard Payne recording five saves in the complete game.

Howard Payne is now 3-4 overall and 0-1 in conference. Hardin-Simmons stands at 7-1 overall and 1-0 in ASC play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Thursday, Oct. 2nd in Waxahachie versus Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 2:00 pm.