Baseball Bisons open 2024 season

February 9, 2024 -- Harding’s baseball and softball teams had successful weekends to kick off each of their 2024 seasons. Harding softball kicked off their season at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Lafayette, Louisiana. The tournament saw four wins for the Lady Bisons over a two-day period.

On Friday, Harding collected two victories against Union University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. They finished the weekend going both matchups on Saturday against Pittsburg State University and No. 24 Mississippi College.

Junior outfielder Haley Ham said the team is looking to focus more on hitting, as well as working on improving defense in order to keep the momentum going.

“We have put in the work, and I think it’s starting to show on the field,” Ham said. “We are playing smarter and working harder, which is key to the goals we have set for ourselves. To be able to make some great plays and show those results this year. After batting 0.308 during the tournament, Ham said she is looking to be more consistent on the field and in the batter’s box. “If I want to be a threat in the lineup, I need to be more focused, and I will make plays for my team in the outfield. I think one of the main priorities for us as a team is to have consistent at-bats and create steady gains as the season goes along.”

The baseball team also had success in their season opener, sweeping Delta State University in a three-game series. Junior pitcher and Lady Bison transfer Javier Lobo has continued to show improvement in his pitching ability and recorded seven strikeouts.

“Last season I struggled with locating my pitches,” Lobo said. “But my goal this year is to throw more strikes and help our team win games. So far, my coaching staff has worked with me to improve my mechanics and the results have shown.” Lobo added that he is focusing on improving his changeup and slider to become a more versatile pitcher.

In the first game against Delta, senior outfielder Cameron Newman said he was encouraged by the team’s start.

“The first series was an overall team performance,” Newman said. “Every guy had each other’s backs, the pitchers pitched great and gave us a chance to win, and we played great defense. If we keep the momentum going, I think we will be a strong contender in conference play.”

Newman is looking to build off of his success from the 2023 GAC Freshman of the Year campaign and has high hopes for this season. Newman said his main focus will be consistency in his at-bats and defensively in the outfield.

“If we want to win games, it has to start with me and the other older guys,” Newman said. “We have to be leaders, on and off the field, and set the tone for the younger guys.”

The Lady Bisons will be back in action on February 1-3 as they travel to the Arkansas Tech Tournament. The baseball team will host their home opener February 3 against Delta State University.

The Lady Bison Softball Classic will follow on February 7-11, and their GAC opener begins March 8 with a doubleheader at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.