SEARCY, Ark. -- Oklahoma Baptist secured its first victory of the season on Wednesday, edging Harding 1-0 at the Stevens Soccer Complex.
Sophomore
Lauren Hanley was instrumental on two of the match's biggest moments during the Great American Conference competition.
The Bison (1-5-3, 1-2-0 GAC) struck in the 31st minute when midfielder
Lex Williamson found the top-left corner of the net off an assist from Hanley. Hanley slipped a pass to Williamson at the top of the box, and the junior delivered a composed finish for what proved to be the decisive goal.
From there, Oklahoma Baptist leaned on its defensive organization and the steady hands of goalkeeper
Jalen Cramer. The freshman, in her first career start, turned away six Harding shots, including a late strike from Skylar Henley in the 85th minute that forced a diving save in the bottom left area.
Harding (3-4-1, 1-1-0 GAC) pressed heavily in the second stanza, generating eight of its 13 shots after the break. Kloey Fullerton led HU with five attempts, two on goal, while Calle Citty added two shots on frame. Despite the pressure, Harding could not break through against a disciplined OBU back line anchored by
Maya Thornburg and
Ashley Bell.
Addison Gray provided a spark off the bench for the Bison, registering two shots including a close-range effort in the 78th minute that forced a team save. Oklahoma Baptist weathered several late corners, and a flurry of Harding attempts to close out the one-goal win.
The last of those Harding attempts nearly forced a 1-1 tie. In the closing seconds, Citty fired on goal but her attempt was stopped by Hanley.
The Bison return home this weekend to face Ouachita on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
