The Yellow Jackets packed their rackets and headed south for a two-match road swing, opening the weekend Friday against Texas Lutheran University before wrapping up Sunday at Austin College.
Friday's matchup in Seguin was a tightly wound contest that came down to the final courts, with Howard Payne falling just short, 4 to 3.
The Jackets came out sharp in doubles play. At No. 1, Hannah Lightner and Victoria Ramos set the tone with a commanding 6 to 1 win. Nina Delafuente and Kendra Werlein followed with another 6 to 1 victory at No. 2 doubles, giving Howard Payne early momentum. Texas Lutheran claimed the third doubles line to secure the point.
In singles, Lightner delivered a composed performance at the top spot, earning a 6 to 3, 6 to 0 victory. Ramos was equally impressive at No. 2 singles, cruising to a 6 to 1, 6 to 2 win. Despite the strong efforts at the top of the lineup, the Bulldogs captured the remaining singles courts in competitive straight-set battles to edge out the team result.
Sunday in Sherman brought a bounce-back performance against Austin College, as the Yellow Jackets flipped the script with a 4 to 3 victory.
Doubles once again provided a spark. Lightner and Ramos dominated at No. 1 with a 6 to 1 win, while Delafuente and Werlein secured a 6 to 2 decision at No. 2. Austin College claimed the third doubles match, but Howard Payne carried confidence into singles play.
The Jackets controlled the top half of the lineup. Lightner earned a 6 to 1, 6 to 2 win at No. 1 singles. Ramos was flawless at No. 2, posting a 6 to 0, 6 to 0 result. Delafuente added another point with a 6 to 0, 6 to 2 victory at No. 3. Austin College took the remaining courts, but Howard Payne's strength at the top sealed the team win.
"I was extremely proud of our girls" said Head Coach Josh Lopez. "Going on the road is always tough and after falling on Friday, we bounced back for a big win on Sunday. We need to carry that momentum with us for our home slate."
The weekend showcased resilience from the Yellow Jackets, who responded to a narrow Friday loss with a determined Sunday triumph, leaning on dominant doubles play and a powerful presence at the top of the singles lineup.
Howard Payne will return home for a Thursday match-up against Hope College at 2:00pm.
