Softball Blanks Howard Payne, Advances in ASC Tournament

MARSHALL, Texas — Laney Taylor tossed a five-inning shutout and a two-run home run from Leighton Landreth in the first inning helped propel the No. 4 seeded LeTourneau softball team to an 8-0 win over No. 5 seed Howard Payne in the ASC Tournament on Thursday. LeTourneau (16-25) advances to face No. 1 seed East Texas Baptist on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the first round of the double elimination portion of the tournament. LeTourneau jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, thanks in part to Landreth’s blast. Maddie Flanery singled to start the frame and came…