The Harding men’s and women’s soccer teams have seen their seasons come to close with losses in conference tournament play.The men’s soccer program is still affiliated with the Gulf South Conference whose tournament was held in Pensacola, Fla.The Bisons (6–11–2 overall record) were led by senior defender Austin Brown and junior midfielder Jackson Savage who earned All GSC tournament honors.
Harding fell 2–1 to eventual tournament champ Christian Brothers in Friday’s semi-final to end the 2011 season.The ninth-ranked Bucs defeated the Bisons by only one goal for third time this season.Savage was selected as a first team All-GSC honoree.
“I was extremely proud of the way we performed,” Savage said.We proved that we are force to be reckoned with.”
The Bisons had a much improved team this season.
“This year, more than ever, we had a true ‘team’ mindset,” Savage said. “We had the work ethic required to accomplish our goal (qualify for tournament) and to be successful.”
They scored 22 goals this season as compared with 9 last season.Harding also set a defensive school record with a 1.42 goals against average.
“There was an obvious difference in the quality of play from the beginning of the year to the end of the season and that is exciting,” Savage said.”I hope the growth continues and we progress even farther next season.”
The Lady Bisons played in the inaugural G.A.C. tournament in Ada, Okla., and fell in the opening round 6–0 to conference champs and tournament hosts, East Central Oklahoma.Their season ended with an overall record of 4–13–1.
Forwards Chelsea Brandon from Arlington, Tenn., and Adriana Lucar, a Lima, Peru, native, earned their first-ever GAC All-Tournament honors.
“Adriana’s passion for the game and her desire to always improve her game is what sets her apart,” Brandon said.”The GAC All-Conference team includes Lucar and Hannah Hatcher with first team honors and Ashley Royce and Chelsea Brandon with second team honors.”
East Central defeated Ouachita Baptist 3–1 to win the tournament.
“Being a part of the very first GAC women’s soccer tournament was a very cool feeling, and then being part of the first GAC All-Tournament team was an added positive,” Brandon said.
