Brownwood, Texas - The Howard Payne University volleyball team dropped a conference match 3-0 to Hardin Simmons University Friday night.

Despite the three set loss, the Lady Jackets battled hard in all three sets (25-19, 25-7, 25-14). Howard Payne was within one point of taking the lead late in the first set, but Hardin Simmons shut the door.

Zhartezia Bradley led with 8 kills followed by  Madeleine Kelly with 4 kills. McKenna Walker had two aces and 14 assists to add to her total for the season.

Howard Payne is now 2-5 overall and 1-1 in American Southwest Conference action. Hardin Simmons stands at 8-2 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Sept. 18th versus McMurry here in Brownwood at 7:00 pm.