Written by Nic Fraraccio // Photo by Macy Cox
The Harding softball team continued its success last weekend by sweeping Southwestern Oklahoma State University in a three-game Great American Conference series.
The Lady Bisons succeeded at the plate and the circle to complete their second three-game sweep of the season.
Harding’s lineup collected 34 hits in three games to power past the Bulldogs. Senior outfielder Jordan Cabana continued her season by tallying eight hits in 10 plate appearances.
Cabana said the goal to be productive in each game has helped change her approach at the plate.
“I think breaking down my swing into ‘What can I do to score whoever is on base in front of me?’ has really helped us to stay in games,” Cabana said.
Along with the lineup’s success, Harding’s pitching staff handled the Bulldogs offense throughout the weekend. Junior Riley Price, senior Abby Burch and freshman Sarah Phillips held the Bulldogs to five runs in three games.
Burch said the pitchers went “back to the basics” when preparing for the conference series against Southwestern Oklahoma State.
“We had to trust that we would hit our spots and trust that the defense would make the play behind us,” Burch said.
With this sweep, the Lady Bisons extended their conference winning streak to 10 games. Harding sits in third place behind Oklahoma Baptist University and Southern Arkansas University in the GAC standings.
Despite the recent streak, the Lady Bisons are looking to build on their success as the conference tournament approaches in May.
Junior outfielder Macy Ham said the team’s chemistry will test opposing teams as the 2024 season rolls on.
“Everybody wants the same thing. Everybody wants to play for our seniors and give them another game,” Ham said. “I think the unity and loyalty of our team is going to carry us through.”
Cabana said the team is still attempting to accomplish goals on the individual and team levels.
“We want it for each other so bad, and I think that is what will make us good this year,” Cabana said. “It is super exciting to see us accomplish the goals that we have set for ourselves going into the next couple weekends.”
The Lady Bisons travel to Alva, Okla., this afternoon to take on Northwestern Oklahoma State in a three-game conference series. Game one begins March 22 at 1 p.m. Following the regular season, the GAC tournament will begin May 2 in Bentonville, Ark.
