MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Bisons opened Gulf South Conference play versus #8 Southern Arkansas on Saturday evening with two losses. The Muleriders won 14-3 and then 9-2, improving their record to 20-3 overall. Harding fell to 13-12 this season.

Southern Arkansas struck early with 6-1 leads in both games after the first two innings. The Bisons managed 17 hits on the day but the Muleriders tallied 10 more with 15 in game one and 12 in game two.

SAU's Cody Jones (6-0) earned the win in the first game with a complete seven innings of work. D.A. Kremer (2-2) took the loss for the Bisons. Harding senior Matt Stevens led the team going 3-for-3 at the plate in game one. Wisley Correa had a hit and drove in two of Harding's runs. Cannon Lester led the Muleriders with three hits.

In game two, Aaron Terry (3-0) pitched the first four and a third innings for SAU and earned the win. Terry struck out five batters. Michael Skinner (2-2) took the loss for Harding for three and a third innings of work. Aaron Roberts had his sixth home run of the season for the Bisons and went 3-for-six on the day. Southern Arkansas' Lester had three hits in game two with a 6-for-7 day at the plate.

Harding will finish the series with SAU with a single game Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m. in Magnolia, Ark.