MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Henderson State fought hard in the series finale against No. 23 Southern Arkansas, showing resilience at the plate, but ultimately fell 7-3 at Dawson Field.

The Reddies (16-18, 5-15 GAC) wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, striking first in the opening frame. Macy Hoskins sparked the offense with a double before Josie Copeland delivered an RBI single to right-center, giving Henderson State an early 1-0 advantage.

Southern Arkansas (29-5, 19-1 GAC) responded quickly, with a homerun in the first and third inning to grab a 2-1 lead. Despite the offensive surge from the nationally ranked Muleriders, Henderson State continued to battle late into the game, scoring two runs in the sixth.

A single to open the sixth by Justine Burch and a pair of walks drawn by Hoskins and Copeland led to an RBI single by Brooke Johnson, scoring Burch. Josie Golden followed with a ground out to third, scoring Hoskins.

Despite a strong showing at the plate, Henderson State was unable to rally in the final inning, as Southern Arkansas secured the 7-3 win.

In the circle, Makenna Keeton (3-6) went three innings, allowing two hits and two runs. Maddie Fulmer entered in the sixth and did not a hit or run, the only reliever to do so.

Henderson State now quickly turns its attention to a Tuesday midweek in Texarkana, Texas. The Reddies face Texas A&M-Texarkana on Tuesday in a doubleheader before a home GAC series versus Arkansas Tech Friday.