Howard Payne hit the road Tuesday evening and walked into a tough environment at the Corbin J. Robertson Center, where Southwestern (TX) protected home court with a 60–45 win. But the Lady Jackets never backed down, delivering stretches of inspired play, defensive intensity, and individual performances that showed exactly what this team is capable of as conference play approaches.

HPU opened the game by matching the Pirates punch-for-punch, ending the first quarter tied 12–12 after a late jumper from Caitlyn Parsons energized the Yellow Jacket bench. Parsons was a force all night, posting a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the glass against a tall Southwestern front line.

Freshman guard Amaris Ambriz provided instant offense off the bench, knocking down a pair of threes and finishing with 12 points. Her confidence and shot-making kept HPU within striking distance throughout the first half, where the Jackets trailed by just one possession heading into the break.

Defensively, Howard Payne showed grit — forcing 25 turnovers, jumping passing lanes, and creating transition opportunities. Taylor McAfee and Caitlyn Panuco combined for key steals that sparked fast-break buckets, while the team held Southwestern to just 11 points in the fourth quarter, closing the game with resilience and energy.

Offensively, the Jackets attacked the paint with purpose. HPU scored 18 points at the rim and added 16 more from their bench, showcasing depth and balanced contribution across the roster.

Though the final score didn't fall their way, the Lady Jackets demonstrated growth, toughness, and the type of competitive mentality that wins games as the season progresses. With strong rebounding from Parsons, clutch shooting from Ambriz, and the steady leadership of Panuco and McAfee in the backcourt, HPU leaves Georgetown with plenty of positives to build on.