ADA, Okla. – The Harding women's soccer team defeated East Central 1-0 in the final minute of the first overtime in Great American Conference action on Thursday. The Lady Bisons improved to 6-10-1 overall and 6-2-1 in the GAC.

Harding remains in second place in the GAC standings. The Lady Bisons have already wrapped up a spot in the GAC Tournament held at the home of the conference regular season champion Nov. 7 and 9. Harding will be fighting for the conference championship on Saturday at first place Southern Nazarene. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., in Bethany, Okla.

In the final minute of the first overtime, Harding sophomore midfielder Averie Albright was fouled 23 yards out from goal to setup the free kick. Junior midfielder Ellie Buttram took the free kick and found the back of the net for her first career goal.

It was the Lady Bisons first win in overtime this season. Harding fell to Missouri Western 1-0 in overtime to open the season and then tied 0-0 in double-overtime at Southwestern Oklahoma on Oct. 23.

East Central (6-7-2, 3-4-1 GAC) took 26 shots in the game. Harding junior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Miller had six saves to record her eighth career shutout. It was also her third shutout this season.