Box Score GAME 1 BOX SCORE
GAME 2 BOX SCORE

GAME PHOTO GALLERY

Henderson State opened the 2013 softball season with a pair of losses to NAIA power Central Baptist.

The Mustangs beat the Lady Reddies by scores of 7-1 and 8-0, Friday at Dee White Field in Arkadelphia, Ark.

The Lady  Reddies faced a Mustang team that advanced to the NAIA National Championship last season and has won 50 or more games each of the last three years.

In the opener, Sarah Gipson gave Henderson State an early 1-0 lead in the first-inning as the sophomore  from Grand Saline, Texas hit a solo home run to right field in her first at bat of the season.

Central Baptist answered with an unearned run in the second and took the lead in the third-inning with the help of a Christen Kirchner double and an infield single by Miranda Manchester.

The Mustangs exploded for three runs in the sixth-inning with Peyton Jenkins getting things started with a double to left field. After Faith Lund was hit by a pitch, Haley Baugh singled up the middle to score Jenkins. Raeann Surrett then joined the hit parade with a double to left-centerfield to plate two more runs and make the score 5-1.

Central Baptist manufactured two more runs in the seventh, while Henderson failed to have a base runner the final four innings.

Henderson State managed just five hits off of CBC pitcher Jessica Sheldon. Sheldon went the distance in the circle and struck out five Lady Reddie batters.

Kasey Carlock was tabbed with the loss going 5 1/3 innings, striking out five batters.

In the nightcap, Peyton Jenkins pitched a no-hit shutout for the Mustangs limiting Henderson State to just two base runners.

Kirchner had a two hits and four RBI including a two-run home run to lead CBC.

Henderson State will next travel to Monticello, Ark. to participate in the UAM Invitational on Saturday. The Lady Reddies will face Washburn at 11 a.m. to begin the tournament, followed by a game with Newman at 1 p.m.