ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Oklahoma Baptist (15-12, 10-3 GAC) took the opener, 7-3, before Henderson State (13-10, 5-8 GAC) won the second contest, 4-2, during a Great American Conference doubleheader at Dee White Field.
GAME ONE
The Bison jumped ahead early, plating two runs in the first inning thanks to a two-run double from
Morgan Max. However, the Reddies responded in the second with a solo home run from Macy Hoskins and an RBI single from Raylee Carey to tie the game at 2-2.
OBU then reclaimed the lead in the fourth when
Kaley Cook's single led to an infield error which allowed
Hailey Stanford to score an unearned run. The Bison then extended their lead in the fifth.
A solo homer by Max, followed by RBI hits from
Greenlee Wells and
Nichelle Marshall bumped the Bison advantage to 6-2.
Henderson State's Josie Copeland homered in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit to 6-3, but Max delivered again in the sixth with an RBI single for insurance.
Jaycee Shaffer (8-1) earned the win, allowing two runs over four innings, while Makenna Keeton (3-3) took the loss. For Max, she attained a career-high four hits in the win.
GAME TWO
The Bison struck first in the opening frame when
Kaley Cook led off with a double and later scored on a two-out RBI double from
Sammie Greene. However, Henderson State responded in the third frame with a two-run double by Macy Hoskins, giving the Reddies a 2-1 advantage.
Oklahoma Baptist tied the game in the fifth after another clutch RBI single from Greene, but Henderson State quickly regained control in the bottom half. Penelope Foote tripled and scored on a wild pitch before Hilary Akers added an RBI double, putting the Reddies ahead 4-2.
Jersey Cabana (5-2) earned the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief, while Presley Applegate notched her fourth save. Oklahoma Baptist's
Jorja Barrett (4-4) took the loss, allowing four runs in 4.1 innings.
Despite a strong three-hit performance from Cook, the Bison couldn't capitalize on late opportunities, leaving the bases loaded in the seventh.
For the Reddies, it was their first win over the Bison in 13 tries dating back to April 30, 2021.
Tomorrow, the two teams will meet again for a noon game at Dee White Field.
