ABILENE, Texas- The Howard Payne University softball team lost in game three of the series versus Hardin Simmons University 7-6.

Howard Payne and Hardin Simmons were tied 1-1 at the end of the third inning. HPU scored five runs in the top of the fourth. 

The Lady Jackets took the 3-1 lead on a Ragen Noriega double to right field that plated Brianna Lopez and Deandra Longoria. Howard Payne went onto score three more runs to increase their lead to 6-1.

Hardin Simmons scored one run in the bottom of the fourth and then put together a five-run inning of their own to take the 7-6 going into the sixth inning.

The Lady Jackets were unable to score again, dropping the third game of the series 7-6.

The Lady Jackets and the Cowgirls had 11 hits each. Brianna Lopez, Tori Muro, Alexis Sullivan, and Aurora Luera had two hits each. Tori Muro and Ragen Noriega had 2 RBI each.

Bree Cason (4-5) recorded the loss pitching six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, and struck out three.

Howard Payne drops to 12-16 on the season and 7-14 in conference play. HSU improves to 13-16 overall and 9-8 in conference play. The Lady Jackets will play Concordia University in a three-game series starting on April 23rd in Brownwood, Texas.