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Henderson State's historic softball season continues as the Reddies defeated Arkansas Tech 2-0 to advance to the NCAA Central Region Championship game against Central Missouri.

After losing game one Saturday 4-2 to the Jennies, the Reddies rebounded to record their seventh straight win over Arkansas Tech to advance to the title game.

Henderson State will have to beat Central Missouri twice on Sunday to advance to the NCAA Super Regional.

HSU got a combined shutout performance from Ashlyn White and Michelle Sorensen against Arkansas Tech, as White pitched the first four innings and surrendered just two hits.

Sorensen pitched the final three innings, did not give up a hit, and struck out three of the ten batters she faced.

White would improve to 13-3 on the season, while Sorensen picked up the save.

Henderson State threatened in the second inning after loading the bases, but ATU's Sydnee Clark got out of the inning as Alicia Zack grounded into a fielder's choice and Tricia Hock's line shot was caught by a diving Ashley Savage in left field.

HSU would score its only two runs in the third inning after Sarah Gipson walked to lead off the frame, then Keirsten Seahorn hit her tenth home run of the season to put the Reddies on top 2-0.

After Taylor Daniels was hit by a pitch and White walked, Kelsie Barker relieved Clark and retired 14 straight batters to hold the Reddies in check.

However, Arkansas Tech would manage just one hit in the final four innings with Sorensen retiring the final nine batters in order.

Arkansas Tech would finish its season 41-22 on the year, with the Reddies improving to 43-14.

In the first game of the day, a late rally by the Reddies fell short as No. 20 Central Missouri held on for a 4-2 win.

UCM, 46-14 on the year, took a 1-0 lead in the second-inning as Lauren Mabe led off the frame with a single and later scored on a Carlie Rose grounder to short.

After being in trouble in the first and second innings, UCM pitcher Katie Shockley retired 13 straight Reddies until Sarah Gipson reached on a walk in the sixth. Henderson State, however, was unable to take advantage of the gift from Shockley.

The Jennies then put together a big sixth-inning as Makayla Schoonover reached on a bunt single, followed by an Ali Jo Rogers base hit.

Lindsey Dawson then provided the big blow with a two-run infield single that trickled into foul territory down the left field line. A double by Mabe made the score 4-0 with a double that scored Dawson.

Trailing 4-0 in the top of the seventh, Henderson State mounted a furious comeback as White was issued a base on balls with Morgan South reaching on an error.

Pinch-hitter Courtney Warren collected Henderson's second hit of the game with a double to left-center field to drive in the first run for the Reddies.

With two-outs, Amy Halter banged out her second hit that would score South.

Gipson would then walk to load the bases for Henderson State. However, Shockley ended the threat and the game by striking out Seahorn.

Sorensen would pitch 5 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and striking out four batters. The freshman from Sherwood, Ark. would be tabbed with the loss and fall to 21-11 on the year.

Henderson State, 43-14 will face Central Missouri on Sunday with the first pitch set for 10 a.m.