Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Henderson State picked up a pair of wins in the opening day of the 8-States Softball Invitational in Bentonville, Ark.

The Reddies improved to 7-3 after an exciting win against Central Missouri in a game that featured three Henderson State home runs.

Sarah Gipson put Henderson on the board in the top half of the first-inning with a two-run homer. Ashlyn White made the score 3-0 when she followed with a solo blast.

The Jennies fought back scoring two unearned runs in the bottom half of the inning.

With Henderson on top 3-2 in the top of the fifth-inning, Morgan South smashed a grand slam to push the Reddie lead to 7-3.

Central Missouri added a run in the fifth, but Michelle Sorensen finished the game in the circle to improve to 4-2 on the year. Sorensen struck out six batters while scattering seven hits.

Henderson State opened the tournament with an 8-0 win over Missouri Southern.

The Reddies clubbed out 10 hits with Amy Halter leading the way going 3-for-4, while Gipson and Caroline Cullins had two hits each. Gipson also totaled three runs batted in.

White pitched a two-hit shutout while striking out four batters to improve to 3-1

Henderson State continues the three day event on Saturday with a 3 p.m. contest against Upper Iowa followed by a meeting with Lindenwood at 5 p.m.