CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas - The Howard Payne University softball team dropped its series finale with the University of the Ozarks 4-2 Saturday afternoon on the road.

After Ozarks gained a 2-0 advantage in the third, Howard Payne would tie the game at 2-2 in the fifth on a Celina Ortiz 2 RBI single to right field. Ozarks took the lead back in the sixth 4-2. Howard Payne had opportunities to overtake Ozarks stranding three runners in the third and two in the fifth.

Rachel Hitt and Allison Eaton each had two hits for Howard Payne. Celese Tirres (3-3) recorded the loss in the start allowing four runs on seven hits.

Howard Payne is now 4-4 overall and 1-2 in American Southwest Conference action. Ozarks is 2-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. The Lady Jackets will play at home next weekend versus the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.