BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team fell 2-1 in the final frame to sixth ranked East Texas Baptist Saturday afternoon in American Southwest Conference action.

Howard Payne held ETBU scoreless for four straight innings before the Tigers were able to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth. The Lady Jackets would answer in the bottom of the inning scoring on a Gaby Muniz RBI single to left center.

ETBU took a 2-1 lead on an RBI double in the top of the seventh. Howard Payne would get one more opportunity in the bottom of the frame. The Lady Jackets stranded one runner in the ninth to end their comeback attempt.

Celese Tirres got the loss in the start going the distance and allowing two runs on six hits for Howard Payne. Celina Ortiz was 3-for-3 from the plate for the Lady Jackets.

Howard Payne is now 7-10 overall and 4-7 in American Southwest Conference action. ETBU stands at 10-3 overall and 8-1 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Wednesday at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.