SEARCY – The Harding volleyball team travels to Russellville, Ark., on Thursday to face Arkansas Tech in the Gulf South Conference Match of the Week. ATU sits in second place in the GSC West Division standings, right behind Harding who is first. The Lady Bisons are 21-5 on the season and have a 6-1 record in the GSC West Division.

Arkansas Tech (19-10, 6-2 GSCW) leads the series 36-31. In the last meeting, earlier this season, the Lady Bisons defeated the Golden Suns, 3-1. Senior outside hitter Manuela Nesheva had 17 kills and junior Emily Tate had a career high 28 digs in the match.

"Tech is strong and balanced,” said Harding Head Coach Keith Giboney. “They play well at home and I am sure they are hungry to avenge their loss to us earlier in the season.  It will be a quality match"

Nesheva leads the Lady Bisons on the season averaging 4.32 kills per set, ranking her second in the GSC and fifth in NCAA Division II. Tate, reigning defensive player of the week, leads the Harding defense averaging 4.60 digs per set, ranking her second in the GSC.

Junior middle blocker Sarah Von Lienen leads the Golden Suns offense averaging 3.39 kills per set. Sophomore Brennae Benda leads the defense averaging 3.77 digs per set.