SHAWNEE, Okla. – The Harding softball team defeated Oklahoma Baptist in eight innings Friday 6-1 in Great American Conference action. It was Harding's fourth straight GAC win.

Harding improves to 19-8 overall and 8-4 in the GAC.

Oklahoma Baptist falls to 17-11 overall and 6-5 in the GAC.

Sophomore Maegan Pistokache (8-2) started in the circle and picked up the win for Harding. The right-hander went seven innings, giving up one run on two hits, allowing no walks and striking out five. Sophomore Abby Burch came on in relief throwing one scoreless inning while allowing no hits.

Sophomore Ashton Bryce led the way offensively for the Lady Bisons, going 1-for-4 in the game with a double and two RBIs. Junior Nicole Shano also went 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs. Junior Madison Fraley also contributed, going 1-for-4 for Harding with an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Lady Bisons got on the board in the top of the first when Chelsea Blankenship had a ground-out RBI.

After four scoreless innings, Oklahoma Baptist tied the game in the fifth scoring a run on a Harding error.

In the eighth, Bryce and Shano both drove in two runs. Madison Fraley also drove in a run. Harding had six hits in the inning.

GAME NOTES

» Harding outhit Oklahoma Baptist 6-2.
» Harding went 5-for-16 (.313) with runners in scoring position.
» Harding pitchers faced 26 Oklahoma Baptist hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out five.
» The Lady Bisons drew five walks from Oklahoma Baptist pitching.
» Oklahoma Baptist was led offensively by freshman Samantha Campos, who went 1-for-3 with a double.

The two teams will wrap up their three-game series Saturday when a doubleheader starting at noon. Coverage links can be found on HardingSports.com.