SHAWNEE, Okla. - Henderson State fell to the Bison of Oklahoma Baptist tonight, losing 3-0 after battling back from an early deficit in the third set but could not complete the comeback.

Kelis Battles led the Reddies (11-11, 5-5) on offense, collecting another double-double, with 10 kills and 22 digs. Lasheena Gooseberry contributed nine kills in the loss, while Tyhia Mack and Alyssa Lindeman each had double-digit assists, with 16 and 13 respectively. Berkeley Berry and Battles each had two service aces as well. On the defense, Battles led the Reddies, while Defensive Player of the Week Kaylon Partain contributed 17, with Berry adding 15. It was a tough night for one of the best blocking teams in the nation, as Battles and Cassidi Campbell logged only a block assist each.

Match Recap
Henderson State traded points with Oklahoma Baptist early in the opening set, keeping the score close at 4-4. The Reddies gained momentum behind kills from Shiloh Jones, who recorded three early kills off assists from Alyssa Lindeman, helping Henderson State take a 7-6 lead. Henderson State remained within striking distance at 10-10 before Oklahoma Baptist began to create separation. The Bison used a four-point run to turn a 12-12 tie into a 16-12 advantage, capitalizing on their attack to put pressure on the Reddies. Henderson State responded with kills from Partain and Battles, while Lindeman helped spark another push with assists that brought the Reddies within one point at 18-19. Oklahoma Baptist answered with a late run, scoring five of the final six points to secure the 25-19 win

The Reddies opened the second set with a competitive effort, tying the score at 2-2 after a service ace from Berkeley Berry. Henderson State briefly took the lead at 4-3 following an Oklahoma Baptist attack error, but the Bison responded to regain control. Oklahoma Baptist put together a decisive stretch, scoring five consecutive points to build a 10-5 lead. Henderson State attempted to slow the run, with Battles and Shiloh Jones contributing points to keep the Reddies within reach, 10-8. The Bison stretched their lead to 17-9 and maintained control through the closing points, closing out the 25-14.

Henderson State saved its best stretch for the final set, rallying from an early deficit to make Oklahoma Baptist work for the match. The Reddies fell behind 7-4 before gradually working their way back into contention behind contributions from Battles, Karsen Hart and Melia Smith. Oklahoma Baptist built a 13-8 advantage and later led 18-11, putting Henderson State in danger of a sweep. The Reddies responded with their most impressive run of the afternoon, scoring seven consecutive points to erase the deficit and take an 18-18 tie. The teams traded points down the stretch, with Henderson State pulling even at 22-22 and again at 24-24 to force extra points. Oklahoma Baptist edged ahead 25-24, but the Reddies answered to extend the set once more. The Bison ultimately secured the final two points to claim a 27-25 win.

Up Next -
The Reddies head to Bethany, Oklahoma to face the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm tomorrow, Friday October 16th. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:00 P.M in the Sawyer Center.