BELTON, Texas – Howard Payne University (8-14) took the first set but fell in the next three sets vs. the Cowgirls of Hardin-Simmons University (14-9) in Belton on Friday afternoon. 

The Yellow Jackets took the first set, 25-23 but struggled to carry that momentum into the rest of the game. They dropped the next three sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-15 to give the Cowgirls the victory. 

Howard Payne had won the previous contest between these two teams on September 29th, but Hardin Simmons came into the match looking for redemption and out-scored the Jackets 78-60. 

Zhartezia Bradley, Alyssa Beasley and Shelbie Harry each contributed 11 kills during the loss but Howard Payne was unable to stop a strong serving attack from Hardin-Simmons. The Cowgirls had nine service aces to the Jackets four. 

Hardin-Simmons also collected 89 digs to Howard Payne's 54 and cruised in the match's final three sets to capture the win. Cheyanne Lovelady led the Jackets in assists with 19 and Analisa Anzaldua led all players with 24 digs. 

The Lady Jackets continue their road trip with a visit to McMurry University where they will participate in the McMurry University Halloween Tournament. 

Howard Payne will first face McMurry in the first of four games slated to begin on October 28th at 1:00 p.m. Live stats and video can be obtained by visiting https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mcmurry/