SHERMAN, Texas – The Howard Payne University volleyball team wrapped up their weekend with a pair of victories, sweeping Ozarks before surviving a five-set battle against Austin College at Hughey Gymnasium on Sunday, September 27.

HPU sweeps Ozarks, sweeps season series

The Yellow Jackets opened the day with a commanding 25-8, 25-14, 26-24 victory over Ozarks.

Howard Payne seized control early, scoring the first eight points of the match and never looking back in the opening set. The Yellow Jackets continued their dominance in the second before facing their toughest challenge in the third. Ozarks battled back repeatedly and forced a tightly contested finish, but Howard Payne held off the comeback attempt to complete the sweep.

Madai Suarez led the offensive attack with 11 kills while hitting .364. Sydnie Mullens added nine kills and 14 digs, and Sam Torres chipped in seven kills on a .368 hitting percentage. Addison Roden directed the offense with 20 assists and three service aces, while Jadyn White recorded 14 digs. As a team, Howard Payne totaled 10 aces and held Ozarks to a negative hitting percentage.

Lady Jackets take rubber match against Austin College

In the second match of the day, the Yellow Jackets earned a dramatic 25-18, 25-19, 17-25, 23-25, 20-18 victory over Austin College.

Howard Payne appeared poised for a quick win after claiming the first two sets, but Austin College responded by taking the next two to force a decisive fifth set. Neither side could create much separation in the final frame as the teams traded points throughout a tense finish.

With the score tied at 18-18, Howard Payne capitalized on an Austin College attack error to move within a point of victory. Moments later, Carli Briese delivered the match-winning kill off an assist from Roden, sealing the five-set triumph.

Tara Bennett paced the Yellow Jackets with 18 kills, 21 digs, four blocks and two aces. Emilee Casey added 10 kills and 18 digs, while Londynn Whitworth contributed four kills, two aces and five blocks. Emma Rosier posted 23 assists and 11 digs, Roden added 14 assists and two aces, and White anchored the defense with a match-high 23 digs.
 

UP NEXT: Howard Payne takes a day off before returning to Brownwood Coliseum on Tuesday, September 29 to face Palo Alto College. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m. Central Time.