Box Score
SEARCY — Senior forward Kendyl Washburn finished her final home game as a Lady Bison in memorable fashion, scoring a school-record five goals to help Harding defeat the Christian Brothers Lady Bucs 6-1 at the HU Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon. The victory guaranteed Harding's place in the Gulf South Conference Tournament for the fourth time.
Harding (9-7-1, 4-2-1 GSC) had never scored more than three goals in a game against Christian Brothers (7-7-1, 1-4-1). It was the Lady Bison's third consecutive victory and second victory all-time at home over the Lady Bucs.
The Lady Bucs took an early lead when Rachael Valenzuela kicked from more than 30 yards away, and the ball fell in the goal just above the reach of goalkeeper Chelsea Hornbeck in the 21 st minute. Two minutes later, Harding's Chelsea Smith scored her fourth goal of the season on a cross from sophomore Kellie DeAtley to tie the game 1-1.
Washburn scored on an assist from Smith, and the Lady Bisons led 2-1 at halftime. Washburn's goal in the 32nd minute proved to be her 15 th game-winning goal in her career and fifth of the season.
Washburn added four more goals in the second half, including a header off a corner kick from sophomore Kellie DeAtley. She became the Harding single-season leader with 17 goals and points leader with 37 points with at least two matches remaining.
DeAtley led the Bisons with a career-high three assists, and senior Lynsey Clissold recorded two assists that led to two goals by Washburn.
Harding, currently ranked 10th in the NCAA II South Region poll, has qualified for the GSC Tournament for the second-consecutive season. Last year, the Lady Bisons lost 1-0 in the opening round to Ouachita Baptist. The GSC Tournament will begin Nov. 2 in Pensacola, Fla.
The Lady Bisons will conclude the regular season against Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 26 at 3:30 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Ark.
