Harding Edges RiverHawks

SEARCY, Ark. --- Harding University scored two goals in the opening 26 minutes and that was enough to escape with a 2-1 victory over Northeastern State here Tuesday night.

The RiverHawks fell to 2-3 on the year, while Harding won for the first time to improve to 1-3-1.

Brianna Meek and Tabitha McReynolds tallied a goal each for the Bison in the first half. Meek's 10-yard shot found the back of the net at the 13:29 mark and McReynolds converted a corner kick with a header 25:30 into the match for a 2-0 lead.

Despite having nine shots in the opening 45 minutes, the RiverHawks failed to score in the first period.

Freshman Rachel Sordahl logged her sixth goal of the season in the 71st minute when Northeastern State got a steal on the defensive end of the field and Sordahl beat Harding goalkeeper Hannah Douglas to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, Douglas recorded seven saves in the match and earned her first win by keeping the RiverHawks scoreless the rest of the way.

RiverHawks' keeper PJ Davis had nine saves.

Northeastern State will travel to Christian Brothers for a 3 p.m. match on Friday before returning home for three consecutive home games beginning Sept. 22 with John Brown. Lone Star Conference action begins for the R iverHawks on Sept. 27 when they host rival Central Oklahoma at 2 p.m.