SHERMAN, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball opened its 2018-19 season with a 69-62 loss at Austin College Friday evening.

Despite forcing 24 Austin College turnovers, the Lady Jackets would be out rebounded 44-36. Austin College connected on 44.4% of its shots from the field while Howard Payne shot 34.8% from the field.

Down 7-0 to start the game, HPU's Julissa Ibarra scored 13 of the Lady Jackets next 17 points to give HPU a 17-10 lead with just under two minutes left in the first quarter. Austin College rallied to lead 20-17 at the end of the first and held a 44-40 advantage at the halftime break.

With the Lady Jackets down 10 going into the fourth quarter, HPU would battle back to within four a couple of times the last being on an Anastasia Willis layup with 3:52 left in the game. HPU was not be able to pull any closer in the final minutes falling 69-62.

Howard Payne was led Chelsey Harris 17 points and eight rebounds, Julissa Ibarra followed with 13 points all in the first quarter. Anastasia Willis had 12 points and Salina Ali was great overall with nine points, five assists and three steals. Chelsi Woodard added eight rebounds.

Austin College was led Bryce Frank with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Lady Jackets will play next November 15th at D-I Abilene Christian University. It will be an 11:00 am start time.