ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Harding women's soccer team fell 3-1 to Emporia State Friday in its season opener in its first game of the GAC/MIAA Challenge. The games were moved to Ouachita Baptist's field in Arkadelphia, Arkansas due to heavy rains in Searcy.

The Lady Bisons move to 0-1 on the season.

Emporia State improves to 1-0.

GOALS

Emporia State 1, Harding 0 – 16th minute – Jacki Martinek hit a shot that was blocked and the ball fell right to Rachel Marshall for the goal.

Emporia State 2, Harding 0- 24th minute – Kennedy Hoffman stole the ball from the defense and found the lower left corner of the net.

Emporia State 3, Harding 0 - 28th minute – Tanna Benefiel hit a free kick from 30-yards out.

Emporia State 3, Harding 1 – 55th minute – Emma Welch sent a cross from the right side to the left and found Melanie Matkins for the easy tap in goal.

STATS

Emporia State had 12 shots, four were on goal.

Harding had 10 shots, four were on goal. All four shots on target were by four different Lady Bisons.

Bethany Sutherland, Sierra Phillips and Mattilyn Reeder each played the full 90 minutes.

Harding held Emporia State scoreless in the second half.

UP NEXT

Harding will wrap up the GAC/MIAA Challenge Sunday when it faces Missouri Western at 3 p.m., at the Stevens Soccer Field in Searcy.