WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The 13th-ranked Harding softball team fell to Southwestern Oklahoma 6-5 Friday in Great American Conference action. The two teams will wrap up their series Saturday with a doubleheader starting at noon.

Harding falls to 21-6 overall and 8-4 in the GAC.

Southwestern Oklahoma improves to 5-20 overall and 2-10 in the GAC.

Senior Lily Tanski (6-2) started and took the loss in the circle for Harding. Junior Abby Burch came out of the pen and pitched 3 2/3 shutout innings while allowing three hits, walking one and striking out four.

Sophomore Emma Curry led the way offensively for the Lady Bisons, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Senior Nicole Shano also went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 6-0 in the fourth inning, Harding cut the deficit in half scoring three runs on three hits. Riley Price hit a ground-out RBI for the first run and then Emma Curry hit a two-run home run to center. It was her third home run of the season.

Harding got two more runs back in the top of the seventh on three hits an error. The Lady Bisons had a runner in scoring position with two outs but couldn't produce the tying run.

GAME NOTES

» Harding pitchers faced 32 Southwestern Oklahoma State hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and four fly balls while striking out eight.
» Southwestern Oklahoma was led offensively by sophomore Maddie Rahon, who went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
» Southwestern Oklahoma starter Brianna Cryer got the win for the Bulldogs throwing four innings. Kaylee Barkley came in and pitched three innings to earn the save.