Written by Nic Fraraccio \/\/ Photo by Balazs Balassa <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Harding softball team has started their season off in dominant fashion, and three Lady Bisons have continued to lead the offensive onslaught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nicole Shano, Leigha Harris and Emma Curry have continued to impress Bison fans and opposing teams. The trio bats consecutively in the lineup and has combined for 54% of Harding\u2019s total runs batted in (RBI). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shano, a senior infielder from Peoria, Arizona, is coming off a record-breaking junior season. The third basewoman broke the Harding record for the most home runs in a season with 15. Shano was also included in the 2022 All-Great American Conference (GAC) first team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shano said one of the biggest factors in her success as a Lady Bison is the constant support from her teammates and coaching staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe team chemistry is great,\u201d Shano said. \u201cI know every single one of those people has my back on the field no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harris, a sophomore infielder from Duncan, Oklahoma, has proved to be one of the best hitters in the conference. In 2022, Harris was named the GAC Freshman of the Year. Harris posted a .395 batting average and led the team in hits with 70. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite being a key piece in the Lady Bisons lineup, Harris said every player is a tough out for opposing pitchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be hard to find a pitcher to stop us,\u201d Harris said. \u201cYou may stop one of us, but you are not going to stop all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curry, a sophomore infielder from Washington, Oklahoma, has continued to be one of Harding\u2019s best utility players. Curry was named to the All-GAC first team and led the team in doubles during the 2022 season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curry said the team feeds off of momentum even if someone isn\u2019t having a good game at the plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf someone\u2019s not having the best game, there is always someone next in the lineup that can pick them up,\u201d Curry said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shano, Harris and Curry have strengthened the lineups\u2019 core over the last two seasons, but they also lead off the playing field for the Lady Bisons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Junior catcher Chelsea Blankenship said the trio is loving, confident and hilarious. Blankenship also said the women have created \u201ca beautiful opportunity for friendship\u201d for their teammates and coaching staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe all have an identity in Christ,\u201d Blankenship said. \u201cI don\u2019t think there is anyone on the team that genuinely doesn\u2019t care for another person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the season continues, Shano said she wants to see the stands filled with students when the Lady Bisons play at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lady Bisons will host the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders for a three-game series beginning today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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