SEARCY – The Harding softball team split a Great American Conference doubleheader with Arkansas-Monticello Saturday. The Lady Bisons won the first game 10-0 in five innings and the Blossoms won game two 5-3.
After the doubleheader senior Madi Trump was recognized for her contributions to the Harding softball program.
Harding moves to 29-21 overall and 21-19 in the GAC.
After today's games, Harding sealed its spot in the GAC Tournament held May 2-5 in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Lady Bisons will still be fighting for what seed they will be. Harding is currently fifth in the GAC standings.
Arkansas-Monticello moves to 10-39 overall and 10-28 in the GAC.
Game One Key Innings (Harding 10, Arkansas-Monticello 0 – 5 Innings)
- Harding scored eight runs on seven hits in the first inning. Peyton Mills drove in four runs in the inning. She hit a two-run home run and then came back around and singled in two more runs. Kyndal Pirtle picked up two RBI and Katlyn Gordon had the other RBI.
- The Lady Bisons added another run in the second when Lyndsey Duncan singled up the middle to score Madison Leggett.
- Harding made it a 10-0 game in the third when Madison Leggett reached on fielder's choice and Madi Trump scored.
Game One Key Statistics
- Harding had 12 hits in the game. It was the 10th time this season the Lady Bisons had have 10 or more hits in a game.
- Peyton Mills went 3-for-3 with four RBI. It was the second time this season she has had a four RBI game.
- It was Harding's fourth run rule game of the season.
- Emma Dwyer picked up the win and improves to 11-8. She threw the complete game shutout. It was her sixth complete game and her fourth shutout. Dwyer allowed four hits and struck out four against 18 batters.
- Arkansas-Monticello starter Abigail Leonards received the loss and falls to 4-19.
Game Two Key Innings (Arkansas-Monticello 5, Harding 3)
- Arkansas-Monticello took a 2-0 lead in the third off two hits and a Harding error. Ashton Currey drove in both runs when she singled to left field.
- Harding got a run back in the fourth off two hits and two Arkansas-Monticello errors. Hannah Fisher scored off a fielding error with two outs.
- The Lady Bisons took the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Madison Leggett hit a single up the middle the scored Peyton Mills and Madi Trump.
- With two outs in the top of the seventh, Ashton Currey doubled down the right field line to give Arkansas-Monticello a 4-3 lead. Kali Bolter then doubled in Currey to make it a 5-3 game.
Game Two Key Statistics
- Arkansas-Monticello had eight hits in the game with Ashton Currey and Kali Bolter each having two.
- Harding had seven hits with Hannah Fisher and Katlyn Gordon each having two.
- The Lady Bisons left 12 runners on base.
- Paisley Pratt picked up the win in 1 2/3 innings of relief. She gave up one earned run and struck out two.
- Emma Dwyer received the loss and falls to 11-9. She pitched 1 2/3 innings and didn't give up an earned run. Harding starter Emily Garrett went 5 1/3 innings gave up four hits and no earned runs.
Up Next
- Harding will travel to Northwestern Oklahoma next weekend for a four-game GAC series. First pitch is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.
