Howard Payne softball opened the 2026 American Southwest Conference Tournament with a hard-fought battle against top-seeded East Texas Baptist University on Thursday evening in Marshall, Texas, falling 6-3 after a late rally attempt.
The Yellow Jackets struck first in the top of the second inning after McKeanne Saenz worked a walk and Colbi Goodwin followed with a single to put runners in scoring position. After Abeni Nava was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Brianna Warriner delivered an RBI single to right field to bring home Graciela Quiroz for the game's opening run.
Howard Payne continued to pressure offensively throughout the night, recording 11 hits against one of the conference's top pitching staffs. Alyana Salazar led the way with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate while Colbi Goodwin also collected three hits and an RBI. Siannah Nava added two hits while Brianna Warriner drove in a run.
ETBU answered in the bottom of the third inning, using five hits to plate three runs and take a 3-1 advantage. Ava Rodriguez tied the game with an RBI double before Makayla Menchue followed later in the inning with a two-run single to right field.
The Tigers added another run in the fourth after Aleyna St. Jean singled and later scored on an RBI base hit by Rodriguez, stretching the lead to 4-1. ETBU added two more runs in the sixth inning to create separation heading into the final frame.
Howard Payne refused to go quietly in the seventh inning. Siannah Nava opened the frame with a single before Alyana Salazar added another hit to put two runners aboard. After Kylee Watson reached on an error that allowed Salazar to score, Colbi Goodwin delivered an RBI single to center field to cut the deficit to 6-3 and bring the tying run to the plate. ETBU was able to record the final out before the Jackets could complete the comeback attempt.
Head Coach Bianca Gonzales said the effort and competitiveness shown against the tournament's top seed is something the team can build on moving forward.
"We competed pitch by pitch and never stopped fighting," Gonzales said. "Against a team like ETBU, you have to stay locked in every inning, and I thought our group responded well throughout the game. We put pressure on them offensively and gave ourselves a chance late. Now we turn our focus to tomorrow and getting ready for another opportunity."
Howard Payne will return to action Friday, May 8, in an elimination game against University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the ASC Tournament.
