BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team wrapped up the first day of a three-game set by splitting a doubleheader with McMurry University on Friday afternoon. They won the first game, 7-5 but dropped the second game, 10-2.

Game One:

Kayla Boucher and Audrey Simpson helped the Lady Jackets jump out to a quick 2-0 lead after both had RBI singles after Kendra Evans blanked the Warhawks in the top of the first. The two sides would go on to exchange a scoreless second inning until McMurry mounted their comeback attempt.

The Warhawks were able to jump out to 1 3-2 lead by loading the bases and getting a hold of some pitches to bring runners across the plate. Howard Payne would respond in the fourth with a three-run inning to recapture the 5-3 lead.

A Kendra Evans double to center field scored Gabrielle Roque and Moregean Schultz singled through the right side to score Evans. After giving up a home run in the top of the fifth, the Lady Jackets went on to tack on one more run in each of the game final two innings to pick up the 7-5 victory.

Shawneece Jones scored two runs on 3-4 hitting and Morgean Schultz had three RBI on 2-3 hitting. Kendra Evans picked up the win over five innings of solid play in the circle and Tia Campos registered the save.

Game Two:

A 5-1 run in the games first two innings proved too difficult to overcome for an injury-depleted Lady Jacket squad. Moregean Schultz scored one run in the bottom of the first with a single to the outfield wall. But the Lady Jackets would be blanked through the next two innings.

Meanwhile, the Warhawks added five runs in the games final three innings to pull away with the 10-2 victory. A bright spot for the Howard Payne offense was Haley Slaters solo home run that hit the scoreboard in left field. 

That came in the bottom of the fourth inning but McMurry showed no signs of letting up. Holding the Lady Jackets to just five hits on the day to register the 10-2 victory in six.

Haley Slater finished 3-3 with one run scored, an RBI and the solo home run shot. Shawneece Jones was 1-3 with one run scored. 

The final game of the series will begin at noon tomorrow at Lady Jacket park. Hope to see you all out there.