Howard Payne University's beach volleyball team concluded a challenging weekend at the Wayland Baptist Tournament in Plainview, Texas, with four hard-fought matches over two days. The Yellow Jackets were unable to secure a team victory but showcased determination and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.

On the first day, Howard Payne opened the tournament with a 5–0 loss to Texas Wesleyan. Emilee Casey and Samantha Torres competed in the opening flight, keeping points close in each set while falling 21–16 and 21–15. Tara Bennett and Ashlyn Kelly worked hard in the second flight, losing 21–17 and 21–6, and Addison Roden and Bailey Scheivlbien extended their efforts in the later flights. Hali Coon and Jayden Harrison, Baylee Burns and Abigail Henderson, and Gracie Dixon and Joana Martinez all battled for every point in their respective flights, demonstrating persistence and focus despite the outcome.

Later that day, Howard Payne faced Oklahoma Wesleyan and again fell 5–0. Addison Roden and Bailey Scheivlbien extended their flight to three sets, taking the first set 21–11 before dropping the next two 21–16 and 15–11. Emilee Casey and Samantha Torres fell 2-0 with matches of 21-17 and 21-12. The rest of the sets were hard fought but each fell 2-0. 

On day two, the Yellow Jackets continued to show effort in their matches. Against Oklahoma Wesleyan, Howard Payne dropped the match 4–1, but Baylee Burns and Abigail Henderson earned the team's lone victory in a three-set battle, winning 21–14, 16–21, 15–13. Hali Coon and Jayden Harrison extended their flight to three sets as well, taking the second set 23–21 before falling 21–13 and 15–7. Addison Roden and Bailey Scheivlbien also pushed their flight to three sets, winning the first 21–19 before ultimately losing 21–13 and 15–10. Tara Bennett and Ashlyn Kelly, Emilee Casey and Samantha Torres, and Gracie Dixon and Joana Martinez all put forth strong rallies and fought for every point.

In the final match of the tournament against Wayland Baptist, Howard Payne fell 4–1, with Emilee Casey and Samantha Torres securing the lone victory in a three-set battle, 15–21, 21–17, 15–12. The remaining sets were tough contests but ultimately ended in 2-0 victories for Wayland Baptist. 

"While the weekend didn't go our way in terms of wins, I'm proud of how our athletes battled in every flight," said Howard Payne head coach Micah Taylor. "They stayed focused, learned from every set, and never gave up on a point. These experiences will make us stronger as a team moving forward."