LONGVIEW, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team fell 0-5 and 2-8 to LeTourneau University Friday conference play.

The Lady Jackets would be held scoreless in game one, 0-5, after Howard Payne stranded six runners. HPU would fall 2-8 in game two despite recording 10 hits and stranding 11 runners.

Game one remained scoreless till a five-run third by LeTourneau broke the game open. The five LeTounreau runs were sparked by Howard Payne fielding errors.

Sabrina Ochoa finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate for Howard Payne. Celese Tirres picked up the loss in the start.

LeTourneau jumped out to an early lead posting a five-run bottom of the first. After Letu added a pair of runs in the fourth, HPU plated its first run on a Celina Ortiz single up the middle with the bases loaded to score Allison Eaton.

Again with the bases loaded in the seventh, HPU scored on an Adrienne Sanchez ground out to seo plate Gaby Muniz. 

Tayler Rushing got the start in the circle in game two for Howard Payne allowing eight runs on 20 hits. Rachel Hitts led HPU at the plate going 2-for-4.

Unfortunately with the loses, the Lady Jackets are now out of contention for an American Southwest Conference tournament spot. Howard Payne is now 16-21 overall and 13-19 in ASC play. LeTourneau stands at 19-20 overall and 16-14 in league action. The two teams will finish out their series on Saturday with a single game starting at 12:00 noon.