ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Reddies (25-27, 14-18) secured a place in the 2026 Softball GAC Championship tournament today after defeating East Central in game one 8-6, then shutting out the Tigers in game two 6-0.
Game One: Henderson State 8, ECU 6
East Central got to a hot start in the second inning, scoring five runs to take a quick 5-0 lead. The Reddies responded in the fourth with four runs to make it 5-4.
Hilary Akers reached base on a single, before advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and a throwing error, which allowed
Tatum Bittick to reach first and advance to second. Both runners scored on a single by
Josie Copeland.
Sam Flores then blasted a home run to deep center field to score two more runs.
The Reddies continued to put up runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the lead 6-5.
Paige Brandes singled in the fourth, which allowed
Macy Hoskins to reach on a fielder's choice.
Mazzi Jones also reached on a fielder's choice to record two outs. After Jones stole second, Akers walked, and Bittick walked to load the bases. A walk for Copeland scored Jones. In the fifth inning, Hoskins reached on another fielder's choice, and advanced
Jay Albiter who'd doubled earlier in the inning to third. Another fielder's choice for Jones scored Albiter and gave the Reddies the lead.
East Central would tie it 6-6 in the top of the sixth, and the Reddies couldn't score another run forcing extra innings.
Jersey Cabana held the Tigers scoreless in the top of the eighth, and the Reddies took the opportunity. Akers singled to open the inning, and a sacrifice bunt by Bittick advanced Akers to scoring position.
Josie Copeland then called game, blasting a walk-off home run to left field to give the Reddies a 8-6 win.
The Reddies recorded eight runs on 10 hits.
Josie Copeland went 2-3 with a home run, recording five RBIs While
Sam Flores went 1-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
Jersey Cabana (13-12) earned the start for the Reddies, pitching an eight inning complete game, while giving up six runs on eight hits, and striking out four.
Game Two: Henderson State 6, ECU 0
In game two, it was all Henderson State.
Macy Hoskins opened the second inning with a double and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. A throwing error allowed
Josie Golden to reach first, and Hoskins scored, giving Henderson State a 1-0 lead.
In the third inning, the Reddies stayed hot, as
Mazzi Jones opened the inning with a single, and then advanced to second on a single by
Hilary Akers. A walk for
Tatum Bittick loaded the bases. On a wild pitch, Akers and Bittick advanced while Jones was called out at home.
Josie Copeland walked to reload the bases for Henderson State, and a single by Hoskins scored both Akers and Bittick, while Copeland advanced to second. A single by
Jay Albiter scored pinch runner
Kyndlee Clark, and Hoskins advanced. Another walk for
Paige Brandes loaded the bases for the third time in the inning, and a single by
Langley Miller scored Hoskins, which gave the Reddies a 5-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, the Reddies added an insurance run, as
Josie Golden singled, then scored on a double by Albiter to score the go-ahead run 6-0.
The Reddies recorded six runs on 11 hits today.
Macy Hoskins and
Jay Albiter went 2-3 with a double, with Hoskins recording two RBIs and Albiter recording one.
Langley Miller went 1-3 with an RBI.
Presley Applegate (12-12) pitched a complete game shutout, giving up only four runs, while striking out nine of the batters she faced.
Up next -
Henderson State will end their regular season with Senior Day tomorrow, Sunday May 3rd at 12:00 P.M. at Dee White Field. They will then travel to Bentonville, Arkansas for the Great American Conference Championship Tournament next weekend. Be sure to check HSUsports.com for more information.
