BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Henderson State caps off one of the best seasons in years, falling 9-3 to top-seeded Southern Arkansas.

In his first season at the helm Joel Worthington led his squad to a 30-24 record, the first 30-win season and first season above .500 since 2018. The Reddies earned a conference tournament berth for the second year in a row.

After the Muleriders started off the games scoring in the first with three runs and they tacked on three more in the third. The Reddies responded in the fourth with two runs, Raylee Carey started the scoring for the Reddies with a single with bases loaded. Josie Golden added an RBI with a fly out to right field, scoring Macy Hoskins.

The Reddies late rally fell short in the top of the seventh as the Reddies loaded the bases, Hilary Akers scored Addison Tidwell with a fielder's choice. In the top of the seventh Worthington let a handful of senior play in their final game. After Carey reached base with a single, senior Tidwell pinch ran for her, senior Makenna Denofrio made her final appearance at the plate with two on, and senior Erika Bittinger pinch hit for Mackenzie Williams and reached base on a single in her final appearance as a Reddie.

Three seniors pitched in their final game for Henderson State, Meaghan Allen started, Makenna Keeton came on in relief and Brooke Johnson closed it out to finish her college career.

Next season looks promising for the Reddies with Worthington and his staff completing their first season in Arkadelphia, a new group of Reddies will look to make an impact next year.