ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Henderson State secured a 4-2 victory over Oklahoma Baptist in the second game of Friday's doubleheader at Dee White Field falling in the first contest, 7-3.

The Reddies used a strong pitching performance from multiple arms including Brooke Johnson, Jersey Cabana and Presley Applegate alongside timely hitting to take the second game of the day. Cabana (5-2) tossed 1.2 innings and earned the victory, allowing zero hits and zero walks. Brooke Johnson started the game off and allowed just two runs and four hits in 4.1 inning. Applegate came in to shut the door, earning her fourth save of the season with 1.0 innings of scoreless relief.

Henderson State's offense struck in the second inning when Macy Hoskins doubled into left field, scoring Mackenzie Williams and Justine Burch to take the lead 2-1. The Bisons tied it up in the fifth, but the Reddies scored two in the bottom of the inning. With the shift against Penelope Foote a hard hit to right field helped Foote land at third. Foote scored off a wild pitch during Burch's at bat. Hilary Akers brought Williams in with a double to left center, extending the lead to two.  

Despite an early offensive push, Henderson State couldn't contain Oklahoma Baptist's bats in game one. The Bison put up seven runs on 12 hits, overcoming the Reddies' three-run effort.

Two home runs in the first game were not enough for the Reddies to catch the Bison's early 2-0 lead. Both Hoskins and Josie Copeland sent solo shots deep, Hoskins hit her team-high fourth home run of the season. Copeland launched her first home run of the season in the fifth inning down 6-2, but the Reddies could not take the momentum.

Applegate appeared in both games, earning the save in the second game but did not allow a run in either outing. Applegate is currently posting a 1.65 ERA, and her four saves ranks her tied for first in the conference in saves and top 20 nationally.

During the Friday doubleheader Hoskins went 5-7 with three RBIs and a run.

Henderson State (13-10, 5-8 GAC) will return to action tomorrow with the chance to take the series versus Oklahoma Baptist (15-12, 10-3 GAC) for the first time since 2019.