ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's tennis team fell to the University of the Ozarks 8-1 and Hardin-Simmons University 9-0 Saturday on the road.

In the morning, the Jackets battled the University of the Ozarks at McMurry University in Abilene with the Eagles winning 8-1 in the non-conference match.

The match was much closer than its 8-1 outcome with the Howard Payne number three double and number six singles falling in tie breakers.

HPU's Gabe Benitez claimed the number two singles point 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 10-6.

In the afternoon, the Jackets traveled across town to play Hardin-Simmons falling 9-0 in the HPU conference opener.

HPU dropped the three doubles points 8-2, 8-2, and 8-3 to start the match.

Gabe Benitez played the best for the Jackets in singles play falling in number two singles 6-4, 6-4.

The Jackets are now 2-4 overall and 0-1 in ASC West Division play. HPU will play next on Friday, March 28th at 4:00 pm at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.