PORTLAND, Oregon – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team (2-0) continues their strong start to the season in the Pacific Northwest after a close 64-56 win over Lewis and Clark College in the Pamplin Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets came out strong outscoring the River Otters 23-8 where they went on a 13-point run. HPU had a field goal percentage of 50% going 7-14 while hitting two out of three 3-pointers. They also thrived at the free throw line knocking down seven of their first eight shots. The Yellow Jackets took this momentum into the half where they led 39-26.

Howard Payne maintained its advantage in the third quarter, entering the final period with a 48-37 lead. Lewis & Clark attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, outscoring the Lady Jackets 19-16, but Howard Payne held on to secure the eight-point victory.

The Lady Jackets finished with 40 rebounds, 10 steals, and 10 assists while scoring 32 points in the paint. Jerzie Bryant led HPU with 19 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field and knocking down two 3-pointers. Bryant also recorded three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Caitlyn Parsons recorded a game-high 14 rebounds including five offensive boards.  

Racie Decker added nine points, three rebounds and a steal, while Madison Clay contributed eight points and three rebounds. Hope Hermesmeyer finished with eight points, five rebounds, four assists and a game-high four steals.

Howard Payne was able to hold off the last quarter push from the River Otters solidifying an 8-point lead to win the game.

"I thought our kids showed resilience and fight! We were inconsistent offensively, but guarded well and rebounded well in the second half," Head Coach Rodney Gee said. "We have a very tough opponent tomorrow to finish our trip. I know our kids will play hard." 

Up Next: The Howard Payne University women's basketball team will play its final game in the Pacific Northwest when the Lady Jackets play the George Fox University Bruins on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 P.M. PT (8:00 P.M. CT).