SEARCY – The Harding softball team swept the 23rd-ranked Arkansas Tech Golden Suns on Tuesday in Great American Conference action. The Lady Bisons won the pitcher's duel in game one 2-1 and won the second game 4-2. After splitting with Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas earlier this season, Harding won the series 3-1.
The Lady Bisons improved to 18-20 overall and 12-10 in the GAC. The Golden Suns fall to 28-12 overall and 15-9 in the GAC.
It was Harding's first wins over a ranked opponent. The only other time the Lady Bisons have face a ranked opponent was earlier this season against No. 18 Emporia State. Harding lost the game 4-2.
Kimmy Hendricks kept her steak alive as she reached base in both games. She has reached base in 15 straight games which is the longest streak this season. Carolyn Clayton holds the Harding record when she reached base 19 straight games last season.
GAME ONE
After trailing 1-0 after the top of the first inning, Harding scored two runs in the bottom of the inning and held Arkansas Tech scoreless the rest of the way as the Lady Bisons went on to a 2-1 victory.
The Golden Suns run came on a solo homer to left field by Whitney Robinson.
With the bases loaded, Carolyn Clayton hit into a fielder's choice that scored Kinsey Beck from third. With runners on the corners, Clayton got into a rundown trying to steal second. Clayton was out on the play but not before Kimmy Hendricks scored from third.
Amber Rollins (12-8) settled in and pitched six scoreless innings for Harding. Rollins gave up four hits and struck out two batters. Sydnee Clark (8-2) got the loss for Arkansas Tech as she threw a complete game.
Jessica Greene went 2-for-2 in the game.
GAME TWO
Harding scored one in the first, one in the second and two in the fourth as they defeated Arkansas Tech 4-2.
Tied 1-1 in the second, Harding took a 2-1 lead when Jessica Greene hit a single up the middle that scored Marley Edwards from third.
Harding tacked on two more insurance runs in the fourth on three hits. Madison Wickline scored on a singled up the middle by Brookelynn Moon and Jessica Greene scored on a Kimmy Hendricks sacrifice fly.
Arkansas Tech got a run back in the fifth on two hits.
The Lady Bisons had seven hits in the game. Kinsey Beck and Greene both had two hits. Hendricks went 1-for-1 and had two RBIs.
Danielle Hubbard (6-10) got the win for Harding throwing a complete game. Morgan Vaughan (7-3) got the loss for Arkansas Tech in four innings pitched.
Harding will continue GAC action this weekend when it hosts Henderson State in a four-game series Friday and Saturday. First pitch on Friday is at 2 p.m.
