SEARCY – Southern Arkansas powered its way to a pair of victories over the Harding softball team Saturday in Great American Conference action at the HU Softball Field.

The Muleriders won by scores of 5-0 and 4-2. The series concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.

All five of Southern Arkansas's runs in the opener came on home runs. Laina Suesue and Faith Otts both hit two-run home runs and Elisa Favela hit a solo homer.

Harding had three hits in the opener, one each from Makenzie Chappell, Hanna Jones and Ashton Bryce. Chappell's hit was her third double of the season.

Lily Tanski (13-5) started and went 3 2/3 innings for Harding. She took the loss, allowing five earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts.

Victoria Taylor (9-1) was the winning pitcher. She struck out eight in the complete game victory.

With the score tied 2-2 in game two, Southern Arkansas's Sarah Evans led off the sixth inning with a solo home run that proved to be the game-winner. The Muleriders added an unearned run to provide the final margin.

Harding tied the game 2-2 on Nicole Shano's two-run homer in the third. Chappell had Harding's only other hit.

Jessica Bridges (5-4) pitched five innings for Harding, allowing only two earned runs and striking out seven.

Southern Arkansas reliever Elisa Favela (3-1) pitched three hitless innings and struck out six in earning the win.

Jaxynn Dyson put the Muleriders ahead with a solo home run to lead off the game. Alese Casper had an RBI single in the third.