MONTICELLO, Ark. (AP) — The 13th-ranked Harding softball team fell short as Arkansas-Monticello edged the Lady Bisons 5-4 in the final game of the Great American Conference series Friday.

Harding falls to 33-5 on the season and 17-3 in the GAC.

Arkansas-Monticello improves to 14-20 overall and 8-12 in the GAC.

Harding took an early lead with two runs in the second inning, courtesy of Emma Curry's RBI single and Alexis Boswell's fielder's choice. Jadyn Booth's solo homer (fourth of the season) in the third inning put the Lady Bisons up 3-2, and Emaline Pearson's double later in the inning made it 4-2.

However, Arkansas-Monticello responded with four runs in the bottom of the third, fueled by Aubry O'Bryant's RBI double and Sophie Wood's RBI single.

The Cotton Blossoms' Kayla Walker delivered the walk-off blow in the ninth inning, homering down the left-field line to secure the 5-4 victory.

Riley Price (9-4) took the loss in relief for Harding, allowing one run on four hits in 5.2 innings. Kyann Woods (3-6) earned the win in relief for UAM, allowing two hits and striking out two in six scoreless innings.

The Lady Bisons left eight runners stranded, including two in the top of the ninth.

Harding will be back in action next weekend when it hosts Southern Arkansas in a GAC series. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m., Friday.