ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Southern Nazarene battled it out with Henderson State Friday evening but came up just short in a 3-2 in the series opener in Arkadelphia.

The Reddies (11-16, 4-9 GAC) struck first in the opening inning, using an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. Southern Nazarene (13-16, 7-6 GAC) answered immediately in the second with a strong two-out rally. Bailey Nettles ignited the inning and came around to score on an RBI single from Ella Sottile, who later advanced to third on the play. Moments later, Kristen Mullendore delivered with a clutch base hit to center, bringing home Sottile and giving the Crimson Storm a 2-1 advantage.

Henderson State responded in the third, tying the game at 2-2 with an RBI single of their own. The Reddies then took the lead in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a sacrifice fly to left center to make it 3-2.

Baylee Sales got the start for SNU, allowing three runs on six hits in 3.1 innings of work. Ashley Larson was sharp in relief, holding Henderson State scoreless over the final 2.2 innings while allowing just four hits and striking out two to keep the Storm within striking distance.

From there, pitching took over on both sides. Southern Nazarene's staff kept the deficit at one, giving the offense chances late. The Storm threatened in the final innings, including an opportunity in the seventh with a runner in scoring position, but were unable to find the equalizer.

Sottile and Mullendore each drove in a run to lead the Storm offensively, while Nettles accounted for a key extra-base hit that helped spark SNU's only scoring inning.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will take on the Reddies for the final two games of the series on Saturday, March 21 at noon.