TYLER, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team concluded it's three game series vs. the University of Texas at Tyler on Saturday with an 8-0 loss in five innings.

Audrey Simpson pitched a complete game, facing 27 batters over 4.1 innings of action while Kayla Boucher, Kodi Glosson, and Tiffany Hinkleman each finished with one single on 1-2 hitting in the loss.

The #1 Patriots (22-2) used a combination of pitchers to hold the Lady Jackets bats scoreless and take the third and final game of the three-game series. UT-Tyler also received some help from their bats, scoring four runs out the gate to overwhelm Howard Payne and hold on for the 8-0 victory.

After a lead-off double to start the game, the Patriots were able to load the bases and bring one run in with the bases-loaded walk. A double to center field ensued on the following at bat and UT-Tyler would head into the second inning with a 4-0 lead.

Audrey Simpson was able to settle in and hold the Patriots bats silent in the second inning. But UT-Tyler was able to score three more runs in the third and fourth inning while holding the Lady Jackets bats to consecutive three up, three down innings to start the ballgame.

It was in the fifth inning before Howard Payne would start to get their offense going after a pitching change from the Patriots. Boucher led off the inning with a single up the middle and Glosson followed with a single down the right line. After a Tiffany Hinkleman single through the left side, the bases were loaded for Kyra Chapa with no outs. 

Chapa hit an infield single that the Patriots were able to corral and throw to home plate to get the force out. The UT-Tyler pitching staff was able to settle down and force a ground out to end the inning and squash the rally. 

The Patriots would go on to score one more run in the fifth inning to build the eight-run lead and force the game into an early close. UT-Tyler takes the game, 8-0 and sweeps the series with the victory.

Next up for the Lady Jackets is a home series vs.  Hardin-Simmons University at Lady Jacket Field. They will host the Cowgirls at 3:00 PM for a doubleheader on Friday, March 24th. with the series concluding the following day at noon. Live stats can be found on HPUSports.com and a video feed will be provided at Facebook.com/hpusports. Also, follow along on Twitter, @HPUSoftball and also on Instagram, @HPUSports for in-game updates, interactive content and more.