SEARCY – The Harding women's soccer team took 41 shots and defeated East Central 6-4 in Great American Conference action at the Stevens Soccer Field. It was the highest scoring GAC game in conference history.

With the win, Harding sealed the number three seed in the GAC Tournament and will play Ouachita on Nov. 3 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Southwestern Oklahoma won the GAC regular season and will host the tournament. Game times are still to be determined.

After the game, Harding recognized six seniors for their contribution to the women's soccer program – Morgan Carter, McKenna Smith, Anna-Grace Kirkman, Averie Albright, Hannah Wilhelm and Melita Sutherland.

RECORDS

Harding improves to 10-6-1 on the season and 7-4-1 in the GAC. East Central falls to 3-11-2 overall and 3-7-1 in the GAC.

GOALS

East Central 1, Harding 0 – 8th minute – Alexis Castillo took a shot that was saved and fell right to Summer Whalen for the goal.

East Central 1, Harding 1 – 9th minute – Bethany Sutherland found her sister Melita Sutherland who shot from 30-yards out for her second goal of the season.

East Central 2, Harding 1 – 14th minute – Lexie DeVore hit a long ball that deflected off the goalkeeper for Deanna Rudasill to clean up.

East Central 3, Harding 1 – 22nd minute – Lexie DeVore picked up her second assist of the game when she hit a corner kick to Deanna Rudasill who headed it in.

East Central 3, Harding 2 – 24th minute – Morgan Springborn hit a cross from the right side to Melanie Matkins who headed it in for her second goal of the season.

East Central 4, Harding 2 – 42nd minute – Deanna Rudasill picked up an assist after Kirsten Yancey kicked it in after a goal mouth scramble.

East Central 4, Harding 3 – 53rd minute – Melita Sutherland hit a cross in from the left side that deflected to Melanie Matkins for her second goal of the game and her third of the season.

East Central 4, Harding 4 – 60th minute – Bethany Sutherland dribbled down the right side and hit a hard shot over the goalkeeper's hands. It was her team-leading 13th goal of the season.

Harding 5, East Central 4 – 70th minute – Melita Sutherland took a corner kick and found Emma Chilton who headed it in. It was her fourth of the season.

Harding 6, East Central 4 – 87th minute – Melanie Matkins took a shot that was saved and Meagan Ogburn cleaned it up for her second goal of the season.

TEAM STATS

Harding's shots were the most the Lady Bisons have taken in a game this season.

East Central had 17 saves in the game, including two team saves.

INDIVIDUAL STATS

It was Melanie Matkins' first multiple-goal game.

Bethany Sutherland took nine shots, five were on goal for Harding.

Lexi Hurley had 15 saves for East Central.