Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team took a break from Gulf South Conference action on Friday night to play Saint Leo in Arkadelphia, Ark. The Lady Bisons kept the match close but fell to the Lions 3-1. The Lady Bisons fall to 15-7 on the season.

The first set stayed close until half way through when the Lions went on a 7-1 run going up 14-8. Harding battled back into the set slowly and ended up tying Saint Leo 24 all.  Saint Leo went up by one but junior outside hitter Sarah Phipps hit down two kills for Harding taking the lead 27-26. The Lions rallied scoring the next three points to take the set 29-27.

Saint Leo jumped out 7-2 to start set two. Harding kept it close but never took the lead. The Lions grabbed set two 25-20.

Harding would rally in the third set never giving up the lead. In the middle of the set, the Lady Bisons went on a 5-1 run to go up 22-14 on the Lions. The Lions mounted a comeback on the Lady Bisons taking eight of the next nine points to pull within two. Harding would hold onto the lead to take set three 25-23.

Saint Leo went up on the Lady Bisons 12-2 to start set four and didn't look back taking set four 25-20.

Harding was led by junior outside hitter Manuela Nesheva who had 17 kills for the Lady Bisons. Sophomore defensive specialist Emily Tate had 12 digs on the night.

Harding continues Gulf South Conference action next Tuesday traveling to Arkadelphia, Ark. to take on Ouachita Baptist at 7 p.m.