SEARCY, Ark. – SWOSU Soccer suffered its second straight defeat, falling 1-0 on the road to a tough Harding squad.

The Dawgs (9-4-2, 5-2-2 GAC) now find themselves outside the top spot in the conference for the first time in nearly a month, as Harding takes over that spot with Ouachita Baptist and SWOSU close behind. The Dawgs and Lady Bisons split their season series.

The match was decided in a five-minute stretch bridging halftime. In the 42nd minute, Saoirse Hourigan had a chance to open the scoring with a penalty kick. Entering the game, SWOSU was a perfect 3-for-3 on PKs this season, but Hourigan's attempt ricocheted off the crossbar and out of play. Just 28 seconds into the second half, Harding was awarded its own penalty kick—where they were 1-for-2 on the year—and converted for the lone goal of the contest.

Harding outshot the Dawgs 27-12, though both sides registered seven shots on goal. Hourigan, Ruth Vasquez, and Chloe Jackson each led SWOSU with two shots on goal apiece. The Bulldogs have now managed just one goal in their past four matches. 

The Bulldogs will close out their Arkansas road trip on Saturday at noon against Ouachita Baptist in a pivotal matchup.