RICHARDSON, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team wrapped up its conference series at the University of Texas at Dallas with a 7-6 extra innings loss Friday afternoon.

Game two of the Thursday doubleheader was completed before the start of game three of the series. Game two was delayed from Thursday because of lighting issues at the field.

With the Lady Jackets leading 2-1 in the third inning the game continued. HPU eventually extended its lead to 4-1 in the top of the fifth on RBI singles from Regan Noriega and Daniella Flores.

But it was a five run bottom of the fifth for UT Dallas that was the difference in the game leading to the 6-4 UTD final.

The Lady Jackets outhit the Comets 12-7 in the game with Kayla Hill leading the way going 3-for-4 at the plate. Emily Martinez and Noriega ech finished with two hits for HPU.

Tia Campos recorded the loss going 4.2 innings and allowing six runs on seven hits. Hannah Stuart did throw the final 1.1 innings of the game.

In game three of the series the teams would need extra innings to decide the outcome. 

The Lady Jackets held a commanding 5-0 lead after three innings and would hold the Comets scoreless till the fifth frame. It was a three run fifth and a two run sixth by UTD that would force an eighth inning.

HPU scored one in the eighth after having the bases loaded with one out. The Lady Jackets then popped up into a double play and lost the chance to extend their 6-5 lead.

UTD would score two on a single to right field to win the game 7-6 in the bottom of the inning.

HPU would again outhit the Comets this time 12-10. Tonya Thompson led the way for HPU going 3-for-3 at the plate. Aurora Luera, Kayla Anderson and Haley Slater each had two hits in the game.

Audrey Simpson recorded the loss throwing a complete game. She struckout two and only had three earned runs due to Lady Jacket errors.

Howard Payne is now 6-12 overall and 3-9 in American Southwest Conference action. UT Dallas stands at 9-8 overall and 7-7 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on March 22-23 in a home series versus the University of the Ozarks.