CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas - The Howard Payne University softball team split its conference double header with the University of the Ozarks 8-2 and 3-13 (5) Friday afternoon.

Howard Payne defeated Ozarks 8-2 in the opening game of the weekend series. The Lady Jackets out hit the Eagles 10-5 and posted twin runs in the first, second, fifth and sixth innings.

Celina Ortiz was 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 RBIs and two runs scored. Tayler Rushing and Kyra Chapa were also 2-for-3 at the plate. Celese Tirres improved to 3-2 on the year in the complete game victory allowing two runs on five hits.

In game two, the Eagles jumped out early scoring three runs in the first and seven in the second. They would go on the defeat the Lady Jackets 13-3 in five innings.

Allison Eaton went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Tayler Rushing (1-1) got the loss in the start allowing six runs on seven hits in 1.1 innings. Tirres threw .2 innings allowing four runs on just three hits. Alicia Tanguma threw the remaining two innings allowing three runs on three hits.

Howard Payne is now 4-3 overall and 1-1 in American Southwest Conference action. Ozarks stands at 1-1 overall and 1-1 in league play.The Lady Jackets and Eagles will finish their weekend series with a single game starting at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.