Box Score ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University volleyball team lost 3-1 to conference opponent McMurry University but claimed an American Southwest Conference playoff spot for the first time since 2000 after a loss by another conference opponent.

Despite falling 3-1 (16-25,21-25,25-12,24-25)  at McMurry University, the Lady Jackets secured an ASC playoff spot for the first time since 2000 due to a loss by Concordia Texas at Mary-Hardin-Baylor Friday evening. It will be just the second appearance for the Lady Jackets in the ASC tournament after winning the ASC Championship in 1996 and claiming seven TIAA titles from 1987-1995.

This year's American Southwest Conference volleyball championship will be hosted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas on November 3-5. The official American Southwest Conference tournament bracket will be released late Tuesday, October 25th.

After dropping the first two sets 16-25 and 21-25 to McMurry, the Lady Jackets rallied easily taking set three 25-12. It was a hard fought fourth set but McMurry won 24-26 and the match 3-1.

Alyssa Beasley finished with a match high 12 kills and seven block assists. Zhartezia Bradley followed with nine kills. Cheyanne Lovelady had a match high 27 assists along with seven digs. Analisa Anzaldua added a match high 27 digs.

Howard Payne is now 8-13 overall and 5-8 in American Southwest Conference action. McMurry stands at 15-8 overall and 8-5 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Saturday at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene at 11:00 am.