Howard Payne wrapped up a two match road swing this weekend, opening Friday against Texas Lutheran University before bouncing back Sunday with a strong performance against Austin College.

On Friday in Seguin, the Yellow Jackets faced a tough test in a 7-0 team loss to TLU. The Bulldogs claimed the doubles point with wins at all three lines. In singles, Howard Payne competed hard in several spots, highlighted by a narrow battle at No. 1 singles where Gabriel Keeney-McCollough pushed his match to a third set tiebreak before falling 7-5, 1-6, 8-10. Parker Hoel also forced a deciding tiebreak at No. 5 singles after opening with a dominant 6-0 first set, ultimately dropping a tight 5-7, 5-10 finish. Despite the final score, the Yellow Jackets showed resilience in extended rallies and multiple three set contests against a solid conference opponent.

The script flipped Sunday in Sherman as Howard Payne earned a 5-2 victory over Austin College. After dropping the doubles point in a closely contested round that included a tight 7-6 loss at No. 1, the Jackets responded with authority in singles play, winning five of six matches.

Gabriel Keeney-McCollough set the tone at No. 1 singles with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win. Luke Fleming battled back after dropping his first set at No. 3 to secure a 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory, while Eli Hall controlled his match at No. 4 with a 6-1, 6-3 decision. Parker Hoel added a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 5, and Benjamin Beaudin sealed the team victory at No. 6 with a steady 7-5, 6-3 performance.

"We challenged our guys this weekend to respond the right way, especially after Friday," said Head Coach Josh Lopez. "At TLU we were right there in a couple spots, pushing matches into third-set breakers, but Sunday you saw the growth. We lost the doubles point and didn't blink. That says a lot about this group's toughness. Five singles wins on the road shows our depth, and I'm proud of how they competed from first serve to match point." 

The weekend split showcased the Yellow Jackets' growth and depth, responding to a challenging Friday with a composed and determined showing on Sunday. Howard Payne now returns home carrying momentum from a strong singles performance that featured five straight-set or comeback victories.