BETHANY, Okla. — Henderson State found itself in an early hole but showed resilience in mounting a comeback before ultimately falling 11-5 to Southern Nazarene on Friday afternoon.

The Reddies (15-12, 5-10 GAC) gave up four runs in the first inning but responded with a strong offensive push, tallying runs in three different innings. The bats came alive in the third, as HSU plated three runs to pull within a run at 5-4. Mackenzie Williams and Hilary Akers delivered key hits, with Williams crossing the plate and Akers driving in a run.

Despite the offensive momentum, Southern Nazarene (17-13, 8-7 GAC) answered back with timely hitting of its own, extending its lead in the later innings. The Reddies' defense battled to keep the game within reach, with Raylee Carey contributing an RBI double in the sixth.

Akers was a standout performer for Henderson State, going 3-for-4  with two runs scored and an RBI. Williams also added a hit and a run, while Carey finished with a hit and an RBI.

On the mound, Makenna Keeton worked to keep SNU hitters in check, but the Crimson Storm's offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.

The Reddies will look to bounce back tomorrow against Southern Nazarene with the doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.