BROWNWOOD, Texas — Howard Payne University defeated the University of the Ozarks (AR) 25-17, 25-22, 25-6 on Friday September 18, at Brownwood Coliseum, improving to 4-1 on the season.

The Yellow Jackets controlled the match from the opening set, using a strong serving game and consistent offense to take an early lead. Howard Payne recorded six kills in the first set and finished the match with 32 kills while hitting .256 as a team.

Howard Payne pulled away late in the opening set after Ozarks closed the gap to 19-16. The Yellow Jackets scored six of the final seven points, including a kill by Tara Bennett and a block involving Londynn Whitworth and Bennett, to take the set 25-17.

The second set was more competitive. Ozarks took a 11-9 lead midway through the set before Howard Payne responded with a four-point run. The Yellow Jackets continued to build their advantage and reached set point at 24-22 before Gracie Dixon finished the set with a kill from Ashlyn Kelly.

Howard Payne dominated the third set, jumping ahead 8-3 before extending the lead to 13-3. The Yellow Jackets continued to pressure Ozarks with five aces in the set and finished on a 5-0 run to win 25-6.

Kelly led Howard Payne with 13 assists, while Bennett recorded eight kills and 12 digs. Whitworth added seven kills and two blocks, and Dixon finished with two aces, four digs and a block.

Howard Payne finished with nine service aces and eight total blocks. Ozarks had 19 kills and hit -.022 for the match. The loss dropped Ozarks to 0-4 on the season.

UP NEXT: The Lady Jackets pick it back up Saturday, September 18 playing University of the Ozarks at 11:00 AM CT, and Austin College at 3:00 PM CT.