TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Harding softball team split its Saturday doubleheader at the D2 Festival, exploding for early runs to defeat Northeastern State 8-3 before falling 7-3 to Washburn in the afternoon cap at RiverHawks Park.

The split moved the Lady Bisons to 5-7 on the season as they continued their run through a demanding non-conference slate against MIAA opponents.

Game 1: Harding 8, Northeastern State 3

Harding wasted no time in the opener, plating four runs in the top of the first inning to seize control. Ella Friederich sparked the rally with an RBI single, followed by a run-scoring hit from Bailey Robinson. Lana Danielson and Alexis Boswell added a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly, respectively, to take the Lady Bisons to a 4-0 lead before Northeastern State even came to the plate.

The Lady Bisons extended the lead to 6-0 in the third on an RBI single from Boswell and a sacrifice fly from Kyla Hill.

In the circle, Avery Booker earned the win (2-1) in relief, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing just one run. Brooklyn Gobble started the contest, striking out four in 3.1 innings of work.

Friederich and Robinson each finished with two hits and three runs scored to lead a nine-hit attack, while Boswell anchored the middle of the order with three RBIs.

Game 2: Washburn 7, Harding 3

In the second game of the day, Harding found itself on the other side of an early surge. Washburn struck for seven runs in the first three innings.

Harding attempted a comeback in the late innings. Trailing 7-1 in the seventh, Logan Ringel tripled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Zoey Neal.

Brooklyn Gobble (3-6) took the loss, though the Harding bullpen combined to hold Washburn scoreless over the final three frames.

Up Next

Harding concludes its stay at the D2 Festival on Sunday with another doubleheader. The Lady Bisons are scheduled to face Fort Hays State at 11 a.m. followed by a matchup with No. 17 Missouri Southern at 1:30 p.m. Live coverage links will be available on HardingSports.com.