ALPINE, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team recorded 24 hits in 9-6 and 10-2 double header wins over Sul Ross State University Friday afternoon in conference play.

The Lady Jackets had 12 hits and two home runs in each game of their double header games at Sul Ross State Friday afternoon. 

Howard Payne found themselves down 4-5 going into the top of the seventh and needed something big to take the game. The Lady Jackets made it happen by first loading the bases with a walk and back to back singles. After Sul Ross gained a force out at home plate, Celina Ortiz cleared the bases sending a shot over the left center field fence to give Howard Payne the 8-5 lead.

Yasmine Ayala homered two batters later to left center to give HPU a 9-5 advantage. Sul Ross would score one in the bottom of the inning but the Lady Jackets held for the 9-6 win.

Tayler Rushing, Adrienne Sanchez and Gaby Muniz each had two hits for HPU. Celese Tirres (7-7) got the complete game win striking out five.

In game two, HPU jumped on Sul Ross early scoring five in the top of the first. The inning was topped off by a three-run homer to left center by Tayler Rushing, her first of the season.

The Lady Jackets extended their lead to 9-2 in the fourth with a three run frame. This time the inning was capped by a Celina Ortiz homer to left field, her fourth of the season.

Allison Eaton was 3-for-4 from the plate for HPU with two RBIs. Tayler Rushing was 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Ayala and Ortiz also finished with two hits. Tayler Rushing (2-2) also got the complete game win in the circle striking out three and allowing two runs on eight hits.

Howard Payne is now 9-10 overall and 6-8 in American Southwest Conference action. Sul Ross stands at 4-11 overall and 4-10 in conference play. Both teams will finish their weekend series with a single game on Saturday starting at 11:00 am.