• story by Travis Hendryx • photos by Paul Slocumb•

Freshman Annika Canaba shouldered 14 kills and 12 assists but the Lady Lobos were not able to maintain a rally in the third set as Sul Ross dropped a 3-0 decision to Howard Payne Tuesday in the ASC and home opener.

The Lady Jackets took sets one and two in scores of 25-20 and 25-15.

Sully posted a late-game drive in the final set but Howard Payne fended off the Lady Lobos and capped the game with a service ace by Kylee Shirley for a 25-23 win and the match sweep.

The visitors posted a 4-1 run to begin game three.

A kill by Isabella Ruiz broke an 11-11 tie with Canaba adding another spike to put Sul Ross ahead by two.

Howard Payne took the go ahead off a faulty set and fought off a resilient Lady Lobo effort to claim the 25-23 victory and the match win.

Kylee Davis sported 15 assists in the effort while Karigan Edwards added nine digs.

Sul Ross starts off conference play at 0-1 and drops to 1-4 on the season. The Lady Jackets improve to 2-4 and 1-0.

The Lady Lobos will face visiting McMurry and Hardin-Simmons at the Gallego Center this Friday and Saturday.

First serves are 7:00 and 3:00 p.m.