SEARCY, Ark. — The Harding women's soccer team battled through another defensive first half on Sunday afternoon, but a pair of second-half goals by Washburn dealt the Lady Bisons a 2-0 defeat at the Stevens Soccer Complex.
With the non-conference matchup scoreless at the break, Harding (1-2-2) maintained its unique defensive streak to open the 2026 campaign: all five of the Lady Bisons' matches this season have been tied 0-0 at halftime.
Harding's defense successfully held off an aggressive Washburn attack through the opening 45 minutes. The Ichabods registered pressure early, but the Lady Bisons turned away each opportunity to keep the match deadlocked heading into the locker room.
Washburn broke the tie early in the second half, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity in the 57th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Ichabods added an insurance goal in the 58th minute to secure the road victory and stay unbeaten on the season.
Offensively, Harding looked to build momentum on the counterattack but struggled to convert opportunities against Washburn's backline. Washburn outshot Harding 16-13 with each team taking eight shots in the second half.
Harding will look to bounce back as they open Great American Conference play Wednesday at East Central. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., in Ada, Oklahoma.
