Howard Payne softball opened conference play at home in Brownwood against East Texas Baptist University with a four-game series spanning Thursday and Friday. Despite dropping all four contests, the Yellow Jackets found bright spots at the plate across both days.

Thursday

In game one, Howard Payne fell 15-1. Siannah Nava recorded a hit and scored the lone run, while Brianna Warriner drove in a run with a double. Kylee Watson and Colbi Goodwin also added hits in the effort.

Game two was more competitive, with the Yellow Jackets falling 5-1. Brianna Warriner led the way with a strong performance, going 3-for-4 with a triple and a run scored. Ashley Blaylock added a pair of hits and drove in the team's only run. Madison Schroeder contributed with a hit as well.

Friday

Howard Payne dropped the first game of Friday's doubleheader 13-0. Madison Schroeder paced the offense with two hits, while Brianna Warriner and Ashley Blaylock each added a hit. Brianna Warriner also recorded a double in the contest.

In the series finale, the Yellow Jackets fell 10-1. Brianna Warriner continued her consistent weekend at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. Makayla Fuentes delivered an RBI on a 2-for-2 performance, while Kylee Watson added a hit.

Head Coach Bianca Gonzales said, "This weekend showed us the level of competition in conference, and while the results weren't what we wanted, there were positives in how we competed at the plate. We had players step up in big moments, and now it's about building consistency and cleaning up the small things as we move forward."