Box Score Photo Gallery

Harding: Melita Sutherland – game winning goal
Harding: Kaitlyn Miller – six saves and the shutout

SEARCY – The Harding women's soccer team won its fourth straight game on Friday as they defeated East Central 1-0 in Great American Conference action at Stevens Field. The Lady Bisons improved to 6-8-1 overall and 5-4-0 in the GAC.

With the win, Harding moved into sole possession of third place in the GAC standings. The top four teams advance to the GAC Tournament on Nov. 8-10 hosted by the conference regular season champion.

Harding scored its only goal 1:04 into the game. Freshman defender Melita Sutherland received an ECU clearance ball right to the foot. Sutherland dribbled through the East Central defense before taking her shot from 25 yards out. Sutherland's shot went to the top right corner which was out of the reach of the ECU goalkeeper. It was her first career goal.

The Lady Bisons defense fought off the Lady Tigers in the second half as East Central took 11 shots in the half as four were on goal.

East Central had a break away up the right side in the 87th minute but Kourtney Holleman's shot was saved by Harding goalkeeper Kaitlyn Miller.

Miller, reigning GAC goalkeeper of the week, had six saves in the game. It was her fourth shutout this season.

After the game Harding recognized five Lady Bison seniors – Ashley Martin, Jenna Taylor, Erin Haltiwanger, Allison Ritchie and Hannah Hatcher.

The Lady Bisons will play their final regular season game on Sunday as they host Southern Nazarene at 1 p.m.