ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Despite a multi-hit performance from Ella Friederich, the Harding softball team was unable to overcome a strong pitching performance by Ouachita Baptist, falling 3-0 in the series opener Friday evening.

The loss brings Harding to 8-10 overall and 3-1 in Great American Conference play, snapping a three-game winning streak.

Harding's offense struggled to find timely hits, finishing the game with six hits and leaving six runners on base. Ella Friederich led the Lady Bisons at the plate, going 2-for-3. Tori Turner, Logan Ringel, Bailey Willis, and Avery Booker each contributed one hit in the effort.

The Tigers (6-9, 3-1 GAC) did their primary damage in the third inning. After Karley Burrow reached base, Addison Davidson drove her in with an RBI single up the middle. Two batters later, Alaina Lyle singled down the left-field line to score Davidson, giving Ouachita a 2-0 cushion.

The Tigers added a final insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when Emily Reed launched a solo home run to right field.

Avery Booker (4-3) took the loss for Harding, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five. Catie Amador (4-3) earned the complete-game shutout for the Tigers, striking out six.

The Lady Bisons will look to bounce back Saturday in a doubleheader starting at noon.