MONTICELLO, Ark. –The 13th-ranked Harding softball team came up short Friday to open its Great American Conference series at Arkansas-Monticello. The Lady Bisons fell 4-2 with both runs coming on home runs.

Harding falls to 18-4 overall and 5-2 in the GAC.

Arkansas-Monticell improves to 12-6 overall and 5-2 in the GAC.

Sophomore R. Price (8-3) started and took the loss in the circle for Harding. She had one walk and struck out seven batters.

In the batter's box, the Lady Bisons were paced by senior Nicole Shano, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Junior Blankenship also went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the second inning, Chelsea Blankenship hit a solo home run to left center. It was her second home run of the season.

Harding tied the game at two the next inning when Nicole Shano hit a solo home run to center. It was her team-leading fifth home run of the season.

Arkansas-Monticello broke the tie in the fifth on two RBI singles.

GAME NOTES

» Harding pitchers faced 26 Arkansas-Monticello hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and four fly balls while striking out seven.
» Arkansas-Monticello was led offensively by junior Grace Neal, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.
» Maguire Estill got the win and improves to 3-3. She went five innings and struck out four. Kyann Woods came on in relief and pitched two scoreless innings to get the save.

The two teams will wrap up their series Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.