SEARCY – The Harding softball team defeated Southern Nazarene 7-3 Saturday in Great American Conference action at the HU Softball Field.

Southern Nazarene won the series after sweeping the doubleheader Friday.

Harding improves to 22-10 overall and 11-6 in the GAC.

Southern Nazarene falls to 12-18 overall and 9-7 in the GAC.

Sophomore Maegan Pistokache (9-3) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Harding. The right-hander threw 3.1 shutout innings while giving up three hits, allowing no walks and striking out one.

Offensively, the Lady Bisons were led by freshman Leigha Harris, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a walk and three RBIs. Junior Nicole Shano also went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Sophomore Chelsea Blankenship also went 2-for-2 with two walks.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Harding got the scoring started in the first scoring two runs on two hits. Shano and Ashton Bryce both had RBIs in the inning.

Southern Nazarene got a run back in the second when Emma Swearingen hit a solo home run to center field.

The Lady Bisons scored three runs off two hits in the second to take a 5-1 lead. Harris, Emma Curry and Bryce all had an RBI in the inning.

Harding made it 7-1 in the third when Harris singled in two runs.

The Crimson Storm answered back in the fourth scoring two runs off three hits to trail 7-3.

GAME NOTES

» Harding went 4-for-11 (.364) with runners in scoring position.
» Harding pitchers limited Southern Nazarene to just 1-for-7 (.143) with runners in scoring position.
» Harding pitchers faced 32 Southern Nazarene hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out four.
» The Lady Bisons drew eight walks from Southern Nazarene pitching.
» It was Harris' fourth multiple RBI game of the season
» It was Bryce's second multiple RBI game of the season.
» Southern Nazarene was led offensively by freshman Emma Swearingen, who went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and an RBI.

Harding will be back in action Tuesday when it travels to Memphis, Tennessee to take on Christian Brothers in a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.