ARKADELPHIA, ARK.-After riding their pitching in a two game sweep over Henderson State on Thursday, the Delta State University softball team could only muster five hits in two games in a pair of Gulf South Conference losses to the Lady Reddies on Friday.

HSU took game one 2-0, and won the second 3-0.

Henderson State (20-17, 8-8) used a two run home run by Kate Gorsage in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie. Those two runs were all HSU starting pitcher Melissa Decker needed.

The Lady Statesmen (24-17, 10-10) had only two hits in game one, both of which were doubles, produced by Kim Hensley and Courtney Clark.

Starting pitcher Edie Oliver (11-10) once again did more than her share. The senior pitcher allowed two runs on six hits in the loss.

As in the first game, one swing of the bat by Gorsage proved to be the difference. The freshman deposited a Brittany Gonzales pitch over the fence for a two out three run homer in the bottom of the first inning.

After giving up three runs on four hits in the first inning, Gonzales was lifted in favor of Oliver.

Oliver allowed only three hit's the rest of the way.

The Lady Statesmen scored their lone run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Taylor Hughes, who had two hits in the game drove in pinch runner Kate Moreland with a base hit to center.

Hughes had a pair of hits, while Oliver had the other.

Brittnie (9-9) got the complete game win for HSU.

Gonzales (9-3) took the loss. The freshman worked 0.2 innings, and allowed three runs on four hits.

Oliver pitched 5.1 innings of relief, and allowed only three hits. 

The Lady Statesmen will return to action against West Alabama on Thursday at 4 p.m., as they open play in the Gulf South Conference Crossover in Decatur, Ala.

All games at the Crossover will be carried live on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network.