SHAWNEE – Harding University triumphed over Oklahoma Baptist with a decisive 4-1 victory in a Great American Conference matchup at the OBU Soccer Complex on Saturday. HU started strong, netting three goals in the first half to take control of the contest.
Carmen Gunn opened the scoring for Harding just 11 minutes into the match with a shot to the upper left corner of the Bison net. Not even four minutes later, Lauren Service crossed a pass from the right end line and watched as Bailey Bulliner deflected the ball into the right side. Sami Berry added to Harding's lead in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Caroline Kauppi, bringing the score to 3-0 by halftime.
Oklahoma Baptist struggled to find momentum early but responded with a goal from
Olivia Kenas in the 51st minute, assisted by
Alanna Bloomingdale after a corner. Despite a surge in offensive efforts by the home team, including 11 second-half shots, Harding's defense held strong with goalkeeper Maysa Willis making seven saves.
Harding sealed the win in the 61st minute when Whitney Thomas found the back of the net off a rebounded shot, securing the 4-1 final.
Stunningly, that was the first time since an Oct. 27, 2016 match against Southwestern Oklahoma State that a GAC opponent had scored four times at the OBU Soccer Complex.
Oklahoma Baptist's defense struggled to contain Harding's balanced attack, with Harding registering 10 shots and seven on goal. Harding's efficient finishing was key to the victory, while Oklahoma Baptist couldn't capitalize enough, especially in the second half.
The win improved Harding's record to 4-5-1 (3-1-1 GAC), while OBU dropped to 3-5-2 (2-2-1 GAC).
Next on the schedule for OBU is a road date with Southern Nazarene on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
