The Howard Payne Lady Jacket softball team dropped two games in their double header against Hardin-Simmons University on Friday afternoon, coming up short in the first game 9-1 and 5-0 in the second.

The Hardin-Simmons Cowgirls put up two runs in both the second and third innings to secure an early four run lead. HPU answered back in the fourth when Haleigh Caraway hit it high to left center and scored on a collision by the HSU outfield.

The Lady Jackets were unable to put up any more runs in the remainder of the game and HSU finished it off with four runs in the sixth inning, ending the game on a run rule and a final score of 9-1.

Ashley Silva went 2 for 3 at the plate, while Evangelina Tellez hit a triple to right center and Kimble Luna doubled down the left field line.

HPU’s Kayla Castillo would be charged with the loss in her six innings of work, and Megann Lewis would get the win for Hardin-Simmons.

In the second game, HSU scored all they needed to secure the win by the third inning, moving the score 5-0. HPU remained scoreless throughout the game, but not without valiant effort.

Luna went 2 for 4 on the game, while Silva doubled to right center.

Lady Jacket pitcher Haleigh Caraway got the loss in a full 7 innings, while Sarah Shurbet would get the win for the Cowgirls.

Howard Payne moves to 9-16 on the year and 6-10 in the American Southwest Conference. HSU improved to 19-6 overall and to 12-2 in the ASC West.

HPU and HSU will play a 12 p.m. double header Saturday at Jacket Field in Brownwood.