BELTON, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's tennis team narrowly dropped its American Southwest Conference opener 5-4 to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Friday afternoon at the Nabers Tennis Center.

The difference is the match came down to the number two doubles spot. The HPU duo of Rosie Cadena and Kaylee Todd narrowly lost 8-6 in number doubles play.

The HPU number one doubles team of Erin Blanchard and Erin McCleer took their point 8-4 and the Lady Jackets dropped the number three doubles point 8-1

HPU would take the number one, two and three singles points. McCleer won 6-2, 6-4 in number one play, Cadena won 6-1, 6-4 in number two singles and Blanchard won her number three singles match 6-2, 6-3.

The Lady Jackets will play next on Saturday at home versus Concordia Texas at 10:00 am.