ALPINE, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team defeated Sul Ross State University 6-4 to claim a conference series sweep of the Lobos Saturday afternoon.

Howard Payne got all the scoring it would need in the top of the first logging six runs in the opening frame. The Lady Jackets scored six runs on six hits and an error leaving two on base on the opening inning.

Celina Ortiz started the scoring with a single to center field to bring home Rachel Hitt. Next, Yasmine Ayala doubled to right center to score Celina Ortiz. Then Tayler Rushing singled to left field to plate Allison Eaton, 3-0 Lady Jackets.

Kodi Glosson would reach on a fielding error by shortstop allowing Ayala to score. Ochoa then singled through the left side to bring home Rushing. Finally, Rachel Hitt doubled down the left line to score Kodi Glosson, capping the six-run first for Howard Payne.

Sul Ross scored runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings but Howard Payne held for the 6-4 victory.

Rachel Hitt finished 3-for-4 from the plate for the Lady Jackets. Sabrina Ochoa was 2-for-4 on the day. Celese Tirres improved to 8-7 on the year with the complete game win in the circle. Tirres allowed four runs on nine hits and striking out three.

Howard Payne is 10-10 overall and 7-8 in American Southwest Conference play. Sul Ross stands at 4-11 overall 4-10 in conference. Howard Payne will play next at home versus the University of Texas at Tyler on March 18-19 at Lady Jackets Field.