ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – With an opening day win over Northeastern State, new head coach Joel Worthington earned his first win at the helm of Henderson State's softball program on Friday.
 
The Reddies' 2025 campaign began with two games on the first day of the Hawkins-McGhee Memorial Tournament at Dee White Field. The second game saw the Reddies defeat the Northeastern State RiverHawks in a 4-3 victory.
 
On the mound in the second game, Jersey Cabana (1-0) pitched a complete game, allowing three runs (two being earned). Cabana recorded seven strikeouts and walked none. It was her first career win as a Reddie.
 
The RiverHawks started the scoring, putting up three runs in the top of the third. The Reddie defense held the RiverHawks scoreless for the rest of the game.
 
In the bottom of the fourth, the Reddies plated two runs, starting with a Jordyn Holland double to left center that scored Jay Albiter. Just two batters later, Josie Copeland singled to right field, driving in Holland.
 
Cabana held the RiverHawks to just one combined hit in the fifth and sixth innings. In the bottom of the sixth, Henderson's bats came alive again. Macy Hoskins got the inning started with a double to left field, and Addison Tidwell doubled to right center to score Hoskins. Justine Burch singled to left center, scoring Tidwell as the go-ahead run.
 
Jay Albiter closed out the game by turning two, catching a lineout and throwing the runner out at first base.
 
To start the season, Henderson State fell to Christian Brothers by a score of 6-0. In the bottom of the fourth, Justine Burch reached on an error by the shortstop and Hilary Akers later reached on a fielder's choice.
 
The Reddies return to Dee White Field on Saturday for two games. The first contest against Northwest Missouri State is set for 1 p.m.