LeTourneau University Athletics

BROWNWOOD, Texas. -- Despite holding the lead at the midway mark, the LeTourneau women's basketball team couldn't hold off a Howard Payne second-half push, dropping the season opener 72-55.

A 20-8 third quarter scoring differential was the difference in the YellowJackets' (0-1) season opener, as the host Howard Payne Yellow Jackets took the win inside Brownwood Coliseum on Tuesday evening.

Mariana Espinosa led the way for LeTourneau with a game-high 18 points while shooting 6-of-11 from the field. Espinosa added six boards, two assists, and a pair of steals. Kylie Weeks followed closely behind with 11 points and a trio of steals.

Makenzie Covey added eight points and three rebounds in the loss.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to an early 12-3 lead, but LeTourneau slowly cut away at the deficit, largely thanks to Espinosa.

The junior would sink a free throw, and immediately steal the ball back and convert an and-1 jumper. On the next possession, Breeanna Hoffman -- making her collegiate debut-- gathered an offensive board and kick it out to Weeks for a three, which cut the lead to 12-10.

With a 21-21 tie halfway through the second quarter, the YellowJackets jumped on an 8-2 run to give them the largest lead of the night. The run began with Covey knocking down her signature mid-range jumper, followed by back-to-back threes from Weeks and Sallie Moser. 

Howard Payne (2-1) battled back, though, and nailed a long two to try and tie up the game 31-31 going into halftime.

Fayth Fry -- also making her collegiate debut -- had other plans through, as she got fouled shooting a prayer three-pointer, and sank all three free throws.

This lead wouldn't be enough though, as the Yellow Jackets tied it up with their first shot attempt of the second half, which began the third quarter run. Espinosa nailed a triple to cut the lead to single digits, but LeTourneau would be outscored 21-13 in the fourth, eventually falling.

Howard Payne was be led by Caitlyn Parsons with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT

The women's hoops home opener is this Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:00 p.m. inside Solheim Arena, as the YellowJackets take on College of Biblical Studies.

FOLLOW THE YELLOWJACKETS

Be sure to follow LeTourneau athletics all season long on letuathletics.com and social media at Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news, and other information.