BROWNWOOD, Texas - Bri Davis registered her first career home run as a member of the Howard Payne University softball team but the Lady Jackets fell 12-3 in five innings vs. Concordia University (TX) on Saturday afternoon.

High winds made the contest a hitting display for the Tornados as they were able to make contact and let the wind carry them to multiple base hits. Concordia pitcher Taylor Verinsky struck out four batters and the defense held strong to help Concordia wrap up the three-game series with the 12-3 victory.

Junior infielder Haley Slater crushed a ball down the rightfield line in the bottom of the first to score Shawneece Jones after a two-run top of the inning from the Tornados. It looked like the Lady Jackets would be able to hang strong until a five-run third inning put things out of reach.

Concordia sophomore utility player Summer Harper picked up two home runs in the contest and just when Howard Payne was starting to rally against Verinsky, Head Coach Rachel Reekstin-Acosta subbed in Simone Langland to close out the game.

Junior Morgean Schultz reached base on an error to start off the fourth inning with the Lady Jackets down 10-1. Bri Davis then stepped up and delivered the first home run of her career with a bomb that cruised well past the left field wall to help cut into the deficit, 10-3.

However, Concordia was able to pick up two more runs in the top of the fifth in response and extend their lead to 12-3. Howard Payne would attempt to force the game into six innings with Thompson and Slater leading off with singles. 

The pitching swap ended the rally though as the Jackets were popped out o end the game. The Tornados would register their 20th victory of the season. 

Howard Payne is now 8-24-2 and 5-19 in ASC play and will head out onto the road for a road trip to Belton. The Lady Jackets will take on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday, April 20th beginning at 2:00 pm. Live links and stats will be made available at HPUsports.com.