By COURTLIN HAYGARTH | HSU Sports Network

RUSSELLVILLE — The Henderson State softball program is less than a month away from throwing the first pitch of 2023, and the Reddies are picked to finish tenth in the GAC preseason poll. HSU ended the 2022 season 12-42 and 9-24 in conference action.

Head coach David Martinez brings back some key pieces for his squad from a year ago, including Madison Treutlein, Abbie Moore and Brooke Johnson.

Treutlein led the team last season in batting average, hitting .345 on 116 at-bats. The sophomore outfielder batted in 17 runs and hit for the second most extra bases, recording seven doubles. Senior third baseman Moore was the Reddies’ biggest homerun threat a year ago, hitting a team-high nine balls out of the park. The North Richland Hills, Texas native hit .270 on 148 plate appearances and led the team with 26 runs batted in.

In the circle, Johnson returns for her second season with the Reddies after pitching 88.1 innings as a freshman. The sophomore pitcher ended 2022 with a 4.20 era and only gave up 107 hits on 366 at-bats. Johnson had 73 strikeouts, the second most on the team, behind Savannah Carrigan, who had 92.

“We had 6-7 freshmen start every game in 2022, who now have a year of experience coming into this season,” Martinez said. “Last year, we struggled to close out games, so we need to do better in the later innings if we want to make it to make the GAC Tournament this year.” 

“This offseason, we have filled some spots in the circle and have a lot of young pitchers coming back who will contribute a lot to the team going forward,” Martinez said.  

Henderson begins the 2023 season hosting the Hawkins-McGhee Memorial Tournament, starting Feb. 3, when the Reddies take on Lincoln University of Missouri at 2 p.m. on Dee White Field.