MONTICELLO, Ark. – Cooper Newsom and Easton Jones combined for six hits and five RBIs as Harding survived a late rally and "extremely windy" conditions to defeat No. 19 Arkansas-Monticello 11-9 on Friday night at Union Bank Park.

The victory moves Harding (17-12, 12-7 GAC) into a temporary tie for third place in the Great American Conference standings while handing the league-leading Boll Weevils (19-10, 15-4 GAC) just their fourth conference loss of the season.

A Decisive Fourth Inning Trailing 3-2 entering the fourth, the Bisons' offense exploded for seven runs on five hits to seize control. Easton Jones ignited the rally with an RBI double down the left-field line to tie the game. Moments later, Jack Opoien launched a two-run home run to left to put Harding ahead for good.

With the bases loaded and two outs later in the frame, Newsom delivered the knockout blow—a three-run double down the left-field line. Collin Helms capped the outburst with an RBI single to right, extending the lead to 9-3.

Lane Grinds Through the Gale Despite the challenging weather, Harding starter Kyle Lane (4-0) remained perfect on the season. Lane tossed 7.0 innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out six. He navigated a difficult third inning where UAM's Daniel Lizar hit a three-run home run, but Lane responded by retiring 12 of the next 15 batters he faced.

Weathering the Storm Arkansas-Monticello refused to go quietly, scoring two in the sixth and two in the eighth to cut the deficit to 10-7. In the ninth, Nathan Bowie provided a crucial insurance run with an RBI single to score Jones, who had reached earlier on his third hit of the night.

That run proved vital as UAM's Camden Tanne hit a solo home run and Jackson Ried added an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth against reliever Austin Kelley. However, Kelley induced a flyout to end the game and preserve the win.

Stat Leaders

• Cooper Newsom: 3-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R

• Easton Jones: 3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

• Nathan Bowie: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R

• Jack Opoien: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI

Harding finished with 12 hits, including five for extra bases. Boll Weevils starter Hunter Heath (3-2) took the loss, surrendering seven runs in 3.2 innings.

Series Continues The Bisons will look to clinch the series tomorrow as the two teams meet for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Union Bank Park.