ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne softball team wrapped up its three-game series vs. Hardin-Simmons on Saturday afternoon by collecting a 4-0 win. The result helped the Lady Jackets capture the series, 2-1.

Kendra Evans turned in another solid performance in the circle, going for 5.2 innings and surrendering just five hits while facing 22 batters on the day. Audrey Simpson went 3-3 with one run scored, an RBI, and a double while Morgean Schultz finished 2-4 from the plate with a double and one run scored.

The game was a low scoring affair, with both sides exchanging four scoreless innings before the Lady Jackets picked up 3 runs in the final two innings to catapult to the 4-0 result. 

Audrey Simpson led off the third inning with a double to the left field wall and then stole third base to put the pressure on the Cowgirls defense. Shawneece Jones singled up the middle to score Simpson and give Howard Payne the early 1-0 lead after three innings of play.

The Lady Jackets wouldn't add to their lead again until the sixth inning, but with Evans' performance in the circle, Hardin-Simmons could never find any offensive rhythm.

Bri Davis pinch hit for Kayla Boucher to lead off the inning and they proceeded to load the bases for Gabrielle Roque. Roque worked the count and took a walk to score Alizabeth Moreno and Simpson's single to left field scored Schultz to give HPU a 3-0 lead through 6.5 innings of play.

Katelyn Dickerson would help add one more insurance run in the top of the seventh with a double down the left field line. She would come around to score after Kayla Bouchers sacrifice fly to put Howard Payne up 4-0. A result they would hold onto as Tia Campos subbed into the game and held the Cowgirls' bats hitless to close out the inning.

The Lady Jackets will next play host to the University of Texas at Tyler, this Thursday beginning at 2:00 PM. Links to live stats and video can be found at HPUsports.com