HAYS, Kan. – Harding battled the conference's top team on the road Thursday night, showing grit and composure despite a 5-0 loss to undefeated #7 Fort Hays St. at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

The Tigers struck early, scoring three times in the opening 30 minutes. Oliver Wright tallied goals in the 7th and 19th minutes, both assisted by Joseph Street, before Eli Ovelar Semeniuk added an unassisted strike to make it 3-0 at the half.

Despite the deficit, Harding continued to battle in the second half. The Bisons created both of their shots after the break and forced the Tigers into multiple defensive stops. Fort Hays St. extended its lead with a second goal from Ovelar Semeniuk in the 56th minute, and Juan Linares closed the scoring in the 79th minute.

Goalkeeper Dillon Hart anchored the Harding defense with five saves while playing all 90 minutes. The Bisons stayed disciplined against sustained pressure, facing 21 shots and 12 corner kicks from the Tigers.

Harding is now 2-7-1 overall and 0-4-0 in GAC play, while Fort Hays State remains unbeaten at 8-0-2 and 4-0-0 in conference.

The Bisons look to bounce back quickly as they continue their road trip Saturday, Oct. 11, at Newman in Wichita, Kan.