On a crisp February afternoon, the Howard Payne University women's tennis team took care of business against LeTourneau University, earning a 4 to 2 team victory and their first win of the season.
The Yellow Jackets wasted no time setting the tone in doubles play. At the No. 1 spot, Hannah Lightner and Victoria Ramos delivered a flawless 6-0 performance, sweeping their opponents with sharp net play and decisive groundstrokes. The No. 2 pairing of Nina Delafuente and Kendra Werlein followed with a gritty 7-5 win, locking up the doubles point and giving Howard Payne early momentum.
Singles play only strengthened that grip.
At No. 1, Hannah Lightner controlled her match from start to finish, securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Victoria Ramos added another point at No. 2 with a 6-1, 6-4 win, showcasing consistency from the baseline. Nina Delafuente continued the surge at No. 3, battling through a tight first set before closing out a 7-5, 6-4 decision.
Kendra Werlein fought through a three-set contest at No. 4, dropping a narrow 6-2, 5-7, 7-10 match tiebreaker in a hard-fought effort that highlighted the overall competitiveness of the afternoon.
With strong performances across the top of the lineup and a clean sweep of completed singles victories, Howard Payne secured the 4-2 team win and built momentum heading further into the spring schedule.
