Box Score
Box Score
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team battled back from a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 over host team Ouachita Baptist Thursday in the final Gulf South Conference match of the season. Harding improves to 27-6 on the season and 11-1 in the GSC West Division.
Harding fell behind early in the first set and couldn't rally back as Ouachita Baptist took set one, 25-18.
The Lady Bisons once again found themselves down in the second set as the OBU crowd rallied the Lady Tigers. Harding tried to battle back coming within one but the Lady Tigers defense didn't allow it as the offense went on a 6-0 run to take the set, 25-17.
After the second set, Ouachita Baptist took a break from the action to honor their seniors. During the break Harding Head Coach Keith Giboney rallied his troops as they jumped out to take an 11-5 lead in set three. The Lady Bisons then went on a 10-1 run and didn't look back taking the set, 25-12.
Ouachita Baptist looked to take home the win earlier in set four, jumping out to take a 4-1 lead. The Harding defense allowed the Lady Bison offense to go on a 10-2 run and take the set, 25-14.
The Lady Bisons only allowed the Lady Tigers five points in the fifth set as Harding took the set, 15-5. The Lady Tigers committed six errors in the set.
Harding was led by senior Manuela Nesheva who captured her tenth double-double on the season with 25 kills and a season high 15 digs. Nesheva also tied a season high four blocks in the match. Freshman Reagan Smith was the other Lady Bison in double-figures with 11 kills.
The Lady Bisons defense allowed Harding to rally back as junior Emily Tate led with 24 digs. Senior Sarah Phipps added 11 digs to the Harding total of 76.
Libby Merritt and Megan Askew led the Lady Tigers with ten kills apiece. Allison Frizzell led the OBU defense with 19 digs.
It was the fifth time this season, Harding had gone five sets. Despite going five sets the lead only switches hands two times.
The Lady Bisons will host the GSC tournament Nov. 13 and 14th. Harding will play Valdosta State in the first round at 7:30 p.m.
