SEARCY, Ark. – The Oklahoma Baptist women's soccer team closed out its regular season with a midweek 1-0 win against Harding on Tuesday evening. The matchup had been originally scheduled for February 20 and was delayed twice due to inclement weather and COVID-19 protocols. The 20th-ranked Bison entered the contest having just clinched the 2021 Great American Conference regular season crown after defeating Ouachita on April 3.
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The Bison offense got off to a fast start posting 16 shots in the first half and they tested Harding's goalkeeper three times. Bison goalkeeper
Mia Pendleton was tested twice, and did not flinch, keeping the Bisons from reaching the back of the net.
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In the second period the OBU offense picked right back up where it left off and put up 11 more shots, seven of which were on target. Then finally in the 67
th minute the Bison offense was able to break through when
Madison Morgan connected on a crossing shot to give the Bison the definitive 1-0 advantage. Harding was unable to get anything going in the second period, only posting one shot that went left of the net.
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Morgan led the day for the Bison offense with three shots on goal, one of which found the back of the net. Bison defender
Katie Fowler got the assist on Morgan's goal and finished with three shots (two on goal) herself.
Kaylee Swaner,
Kelsi Mensen,
Kimmy McKinney, and
Tori Kitchel round out the Bison players who put up shots on Harding's goal.
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"This game proved that the girls are still hungry," said head coach
Mike White. "They could've coasted and still have gotten into the tournament as the number one seed, but they didn't. I'm proud of them. It was a full team effort."
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Up next the Bison will host the GAC Semifinals and Championship Game on April 15 and 17, respectively. OBU's semifinal opponent is yet to be determined.
