BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team hosted #3 University of Texas at Tyler on Thursday afternoon to open a three-game set. The Lady Jackets were limited to just three hits as the Patriots went on to collect the 20-0 victory in five innings.

After scoring 16 runs in the top of the first inning, the Patriots were able to settle in and hold the Howard Payne offense scoreless. Both sides went on to exchange three scoreless innings through the fourth before UT - Tyler was able to add four more runs in the top of the fifth and propel themselves to the victory.

Katelyn Dickerson and Morgean Schultz both tried to spark rallies with each collecting a double during the day's festivities. Dickerson started the game by smoking a ball to the left-center wall but was left stranded on second as the Patriots pitching staff proved difficult to overcome.

Morgean Schultz's double led off the second inning and looked to be heading for a home run. Unfortunately, it stayed in the park and UT-Tyler retired the side to get out of the inning with their lead still intact at 16-0.

It was two consecutive innings of three up, three down softball for the Lady Jackets until the Patriots tagged on four more runs in the top of the fifth. Haley Slater would try and get things started in the bottom of the inning by lining a well-placed ball to right field but two force outs ended the game.

UT-Tyler picks up the 20-0 result in game one of the series. Games two and three of the series will take place tomorrow beginning at 10:00 AM at Lady Jacket Park. Attendance is free and if you can't make it out, tune to www.facebook.com.hpusports for the live broadcast.