SEARCY - The Harding softball team had 11 hits as it defeated Southwestern Oklahoma 7-4 Saturday in Great American Conference action. The win gave the Lady Bisons the series sweep after winning both games of the doubleheader Friday.

Harding improves to 35-16 overall and 21-9 in the GAC. The Lady Bisons have already wrapped up a spot in the GAC Tournament May 5-7 in Bentonville, Arkansas. With one series left in the regular season, Harding will be fighting for what seed they will be in the tournament.

Southwestern Oklahoma falls to 9-30 overall and 8-22 in the GAC.

Junior Lily Tanski (13-7) got the win out of the bullpen for Harding. The right-hander threw 2.1 shutout innings without giving up a hit, one walk and striking out two.

Offensively, the Lady Bisons were led by freshman Emma Curry, who went 3-for-4 on the day with a double and two RBI. Sophomore Jordan Cabana furnished a standout performance as well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Senior Hanna Jones also contributed for Harding, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 2-0 after the top of the first, Harding answered back scoring two runs on four hits. Leigha Harris knocked in the first run and Emma Curry knocked in the second run.

The Lady Bisons took a 4-2 lead in the fourth scoring two runs on three hits. Chelsea Blankenship had an RBI single in the inning.

Tied at four in the sixth, Harding took the lead for good scoring three runs on two hits in the inning. Ashlyn Peterson had a ground-out RBI for the first run of the inning. Jordan Cabana had an RBI single for the second run and Emma Curry hit a double to left center to score Cabana.

GAME NOTES

» The Lady Bisons out-hit the Bulldogs at an 11-10 clip. Seven different Harding players had a hit the game.
» Harding went 7-for-21 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Harding left 10 runners on base and Southwestern Oklahoma left nine.
» Harding pitchers faced 34 Southwestern Oklahoma hitters, allowing four ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Lady Bisons drew five walks in the game.
» It was the 16th time this season Emma Curry has had multiple RBIs in a game.
» Southwestern Oklahoma was led offensively by junior Skye Tilley, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
» Alisa Friesen received the loss in the circle for Southwestern Oklahoma and falls to 6-15 on the season.

Harding will be back in action next weekend when it hosts East Central in a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m., at the HU Softball Field.