SEARCY – The Harding women's soccer team won its second straight game Thursday defeating Southern Nazarene 3-2 behind Bethany Sutherland's hat trick. The Lady Bisons improve to 2-3-2 overall and 1-0-0 in Great American Conference action.
Southern Nazarene falls to 2-5-0 overall and 0-1-0 in the GAC.
It was Harding's fourth straight year to win its conference opener. The Lady Bisons are 9-11-0 in conference openers.
Sutherland's hat trick was the third of her career which broke the Harding record previously held by Kendyl Washburn and Chelsea Brandon who each had two. All of Sutherland's hat tricks have came in conference play and it was the first Harding hat trick against Southern Nazarene. When Harding scores a hat trick it is 21-0-0.
GOALS
Southern Nazarene 1, Harding 0, 7th minute – Rebekah Abrego sent a cross from the left side which found Meagan Chase who scored from a top the 6-yard box. It was her second of the season.
Harding 1, Southern Nazarene 1, 13th minute – Morgan Springborn sent a cross from the left that found the head of Bethany Sutherland for her second goal of the season.
Harding 2, Southern Nazarene 1, 70th minute – Morgan Proffitt sent a cross from the right side that Bethany Sutherland tapped in for the goal. It was her third goal of the season.
Harding 3, Southern Nazarene 1, 76th minute – Emma Chilton drove a corner kick to the far post that found the head of Bethany Sutherland. It was her fourth goal of the season and the third of the night.
Harding 3, Southern Nazarene 2, 90th minute – Kelsi Bussert sent a cross in from the left side that found Meagan Chase for her third goal of the season and the second in the game.
STATS
Harding had 21 shots, 10 were on goal.
Southern Nazarene took 15 shots, 10 were on goal.
Bethany Sutherland had a game-high 10 shots, with four being on goal.
Jessica Woessner and Anna Claire Lewis split time in goal for Harding.
UP NEXT
Harding will continue GAC action Saturday when it hosts Oklahoma Baptist at 11 a.m., at the Stevens Soccer Complex.
