MARSHALL, Texas – Continuing the offensive onslaught and pitching performance from last night, the East Texas Baptist University softball team completed the three-game sweep against Howard Payne University by the final score of 8-0. In the series, ETBU outscored HPU 32-1 and have now picked up a 4-0 record overall and 3-0 in conference play.

Leading ETBU's offense was Linzie Lewis, who picked up three hits with four RBI and one home run while scoring two runs along with Morgan Arst. MacKenzie Anderson collected two hits while Chelsea Ham added two RBI. Taking the win in the circle was Jordan Anderson, who went all five innings allowing just four hits while striking out seven batters. Kendra Evans would start the game for HPU and take the loss by not collecting an out as she gave up three runs on three hits. Tia Campos would also make an appearance going four innings allowing five runs on eight hits.

Jordan Anderson retired the first two hitters of the game on a flyout to right and a groundout to second. But after back-to-back two-out singles by Katelyn Dickerson and Kayla Boucher, Haley Slater struck out swinging ending the threat. In the bottom of the first inning, Nikki Gil led off with a single to left and Arst drew a walk before Lewis would drive one to right field for a three-run home run. ETBU would then load the bases later in the first, but were unable to score more.

Neither team scored a run in the second inning. But again, HPU threatened in the third inning as a one out single by Morgean Schultz and walk to Shawneece Jones brought the tying run to the plate. But both Dickerson and Boucher couldn't drive in the runs as a flyout to right and a lineout to second kept the Yellow Jackets off the board. MacKenzie Anderson started the bottom of the third with a single and a stolen base before Ham would drive her in with a double to make it 4-0. Brea Robinson came in to pinch run and stole third before Madison Prince drove her in with a single as ETBU led 5-0 after three innings.

After Jordan Anderson retired the side by going 1-2-3 in the top of the fourth, Arst led off by being hit by pitch and stole second before Lewis collected her third hit and fourth RBI on a single as it was 6-0. Three batters later, Ham would pick up her second RBI on a groundout to short that scored Lewis. Moments later, Daniella Solis would send a double to left center making it 8-0 after four innings. HPU would try to extend the game as a single and hit by pitch got a rally started. But in the end, Jordan Anderson would pick up a strikeout and a double-play to end the game after five-innings.

This past series proved that even with a young team, there is much excitement surrounding the players as Lewis explains. "Our team's really young," said Lewis. "It's amazing with the first conference series. We're coming out here just crushing the ball. It's a great atmosphere and it's awesome."

ETBU will now fly out to Tuscon, Arizona for six games from March 2-4 as part of the NFCA Leadoff Classic.