HIGHLIGHTS
Harding: Cole Walker - 2 shots, 2 shots on goal, 2 goals
Northeastern State: Juan Peralta - 3 goals; Jordan Schmoker - 2 assists

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Harding junior Cole Walker scored two goals, including the second-fastest goal in program history, but the Bisons fell 6-2 to 23rd-ranked Northeastern State on Friday in Harding's season finale.

The Bisons finished the season 6-7-3 overall and 3-6-0 and in fifth place in the MIAA. Only the top four teams advanced to the MIAA Tournament. Harding's overall record was its best in program history.

Northeastern State improved to 10-2-4 overall and 6-1-2 in conference play. The RiverHawks will be the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.

Walker put the Bisons ahead only 49 seconds into the game. His shot from 40 yards out bounced in front of, then past, RiverHawk goalkeeper Eric Shephard. The only Harding goal to come earlier in a game was Jeff Ireland's goal 44 seconds after kickoff against Lynn on Aug. 25, 2001.

Harding held its early lead until Northeastern State tied the score on Juan Peralta's seventh goal at 24:01. The RiverHawks added two more goals within the next 56 seconds. Joel Mendoza scored just 11 seconds after Peralta, who then followed with another goal 45 seconds later.

Northeastern State took the 3-1 lead into halftime.

Peralta tacked on his third goal in the 55th minute, and Crosby Lee made it 5-1 with a goal in the 75th minute.

Walker added his second goal of the game in the 86th minute. It was his first career multi-goal game.

Northeastern State closed out the scoring less than a minute later on the second goal of the season by Terence Smith.