The Howard Payne softball team dropped their conference series finale with Hardin-Simmons University 8-3 Saturday afternoon at Lady Jacket Field.

Seniors Amanda Cruddas, Erin McLeod and Shandi Winstead were recognized after the game for the commitment and dedication to Howard Payne.

The Lady Jackets started the game scoring on a Shandi Winstead grounder that allowed Gaby Muniz to score from third. Muniz finished the game 2-for-4 from the plate.

Hardin-Simmons would score four in the second and two in the third to take a 6-1 lead after the third frame.

After HSU added another two runs in the top of the seventh, HPU would get two more runs in the bottom of the inning to make the score 6-3. A Kennedy Coffin double to left center scored Adrienne Sanchez and Cherita George.

Celese Tirres got the loss in the start for HPU going three innings allowing six runs on six hits. Tayler Rushing threw the last four frames striking out three and allowing two runs on five hits.

Howard Payne is now 10-24 overall and 6-20 in American Southwest Conference play. Hardin-Simmons stands at 20-13 overall and 17-10 in league action. The Lady Jackets will finish out their season on the road in a makeup conference series at East Texas Baptist on Monday and Tuesday.