WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Avery Booker tossed 6 1/3 strong innings, and No. 17 Harding softball capitalized on timely hitting to secure a 4-1 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma on Saturday to open Great American Conference action.

The game was a pitcher's duel through five innings, with neither team able to muster much offense. However, Harding broke through in the sixth, scoring four runs on three hits.

Kaya Lee sparked the rally with a single to center field, followed by a stolen base. Zoey Neal then doubled to center, scoring Lee, and Emma Zaboronek pinch-ran for Neal and stole third. Alexis Boswell reached on a throwing error by the shortstop, allowing Zaboronek to score, and Emaline Pearson followed with a two-run homer to center field. It was her second homerun of the season.

Southwestern Oklahoma scored its lone run in the bottom of the sixth, as Riley Lusk singled in Jadyn Hook, who had reached on a single and advanced on a passed ball.

Booker (4-0) allowed just five hits and struck out seven for Harding.

Alexis Taylor (4-2) took the loss for the Bulldogs, allowing four runs — two earned — on five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

With the win, Harding improves to 13-2 overall and 1-0 in the Great American Conference. Southwestern Oklahoma falls to 5-6 and 0-1 in conference play.

The two teams will wrap up their three-game series Sunday with a doubleheader starting at noon.