SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University softball team faced off against Harding University on the road, battling but ultimately dropping both games of their doubleheader Friday night.
 
The Tigers will look to claim game three tomorrow at noon in the series finale.
 
GAME ONE | ECU 3, HU 5
In the first game of the doubleheader, ECU and Harding traded quiet opening innings, with both teams coming up empty in the first.
 
Hannah Whitaker later recorded a single to put a runner on base for the Tigers after two early outs, but a pop-up ended the inning. Harding threatened in the bottom half, placing two runners on base with a walk and a single, but the Bison were unable to capitalize despite having runners in scoring position.
 
ECU again had an opportunity in the third after drawing back-to-back walks but could not push a run across. Harding took advantage in its next trip to the plate, scoring three runs after a pair of ECU errors helped put runners on base. The Bison added to their lead with a double and a pair of singles to extend the advantage to 5-0 by the fourth inning.
 
The Tigers answered in the fifth when Sara Camplain singled and Jaicee Stott drew a walk to put two runners aboard. Kenni Tudor then delivered a three-run homer to bring ECU back within striking distance, cutting the deficit to 5-3.
 
Despite the momentum, the Tigers were unable to generate additional offense over its final two innings as Harding held on for the win.
 
Brooklyn Charnock went the distance in the circle for the Tigers, tossing six innings while allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits and recording a strikeout.
 
GAME TWO | ECU 0, HU 1 
The second game of the series between ECU and Harding was highlighted by a pitcher's duel.
 
ECU went three up, three down in the first inning, while Harding managed to score a run in the opening frame, a run that would end up being the difference in the game.
 
Elyse LeClair singled to center field and stole a base in the second inning, but the Tigers were unable to bring her home. Both teams managed a hit in the inning but left runners stranded on base.
 
The third and fourth innings were quiet for both squads, though LeClair continued her strong performance with a double down the left field line. Unfortunately, the next three ECU batters grounded out or struck out, leaving her at second base.
 
Harding reached base in both the fifth and sixth innings, but ECU's Kennedy Schroeder and the Tiger defense prevented them from adding to their advantage.
 
In the seventh inning, the heart of ECU's lineup came to the plate, but were held scoreless by Harding.
 
Schroeder finished the game allowing one run on five hits, walking three and striking out two in her third complete game of the season. LeClair put together a solid outing at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 to account for ECU's only hits.