BROWNWOOD- The Howard Payne University softball team fell short in the third game of its series against Louisiana College, losing 12-5 earlier this Saturday afternoon at Lady Jacket Field. 

With Louisiana College holding a 5-0 advantage going into the fifth, the Wildcats tacked on five more runs to a 10-0 lead going into the bottom of the inning. The Lady Jackets responded in the bottom of the inning with four runs of their own.

Alexis Sullivan hit her first homer of the season this a three-run shot to left field. After Regan Noriega reach base on an error, a Haley Slater double to right field would plate Noriega to make the score 10-4. 

Both teams were able to score one more run in the 6th inning. Aurora Luera scored when Kayla Hill singled through the right side, making the score 11-5. 

The Wildcats finished the game ahead of the Lady Jackets in hits 18-11, earning the 12-5 win at the end of the game. 

Aurora Luera, Tonya Thompson, Alexis Sullivan, and Haley Slater each earned two hits for HPU. Audrey Simpson recorded the lost for the Lady Jackets pitching 1.2 innings. While Hannah Stuart and Gabrielle Roque each stepped into the circle for the Lady Jackets. Tia Campos finished the game for HPU pitching 2.2 innings. 

The Lady Jackets are now 5-5 overall and 3-3 in American Southwest Conference play, while the Wildcats are now 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. The Lady Jackets will hit the road this coming Wednesday, February 27th to play Sul Ross State at 2 PM and 4 PM at Poly Wells Field (ACU) in Abilene, Texas.