KERRVILLE, Texas – The Howard Payne University volleyball team fell to Schreiner University in three sets Thursday night at Stephens Family Arena, dropping to 11-5 overall and 2-4 in American Southwest Conference play.

The Yellow Jackets fell behind early in the opening set as Schreiner took a 25-10 victory. Howard Payne struggled offensively, recording six kills and 11 attack errors in the set.

HPU responded in the second set, keeping the contest close throughout the opening points before building a 16-9 advantage. Schreiner rallied to even the score at 22-22 before taking the final three points to secure a 25-23 win and a two-set lead.

The Yellow Jackets were unable to regain momentum in the third set, falling behind early as Schreiner built a 10-2 lead. Howard Payne continued to battle, but the Mountaineers maintained their advantage to close out the match with a 25-13 victory.

Tara Bennett led the Yellow Jackets offensively with 11 kills and added 14 digs for a team-high double-double. Emma Rosier contributed 13 assists and eight digs, while Emilee Casey recorded nine digs. HPU finished with 28 kills and 58 digs.

Schreiner was led by Jesse Garner, who recorded 11 kills, while Giana Hilliard paced the Mountaineers with 19 digs. Schreiner finished with 38 kills and a .225 hitting percentage.

UP NEXT: Howard Payne will compete in a tri-match against Texas Lutheran University and Dickinson College on Friday, October 16 in Seguin, Texas. The Yellow Jackets will look to rebound as they continue conference play.