Box Score vs. #1 Tampa
Box Score vs. North Alabama

FLORENCE, Ala. – The Harding volleyball team fell to 5-6 on Friday after falling to No. 1 Tampa 3-0 and North Alabama 3-0 on the opening day of the North Alabama Tournament.

In the first match, Harding stayed with top-ranked Tampa through the middle of the first set but the Spartans went on a 9-3 run to take the first set 25-18. In the second set, Tampa quickly jumped out to a 13-6 and didn't look back as they took the set 25-14. The final set was much like the second. The Spartans jumped out to a 16-10 lead but the Lady Bisons battled back to cut the lead to three at 18-15 on two Harding kills. Harding didn't get any closer, losing the third set 25-20.

Harding was led by freshman outside hitter Mollie Arnold who had seven kills and seven digs for the Lady Bisons. Harding had 42 digs in the match but none of the Lady Bisons got to double figures. Senior defensive specialist Emily Tate led with nine.

The Lady Bisons had 19 hitting errors and four service errors in the match. Harding had 23 kills on 100 attempts for a season-low .040 hitting percentage.

Tampa was led by Kaleigh Cunningham and Melissa Vanderhall who each had 10 kills for the Spartans. Julie Howlett led the Spartan defense with 13 digs.

In the second match against host North Alabama, the Lions defense held the Lady Bisons to a season-low 20 kills. North Alabama had 50 kills on 91 attempts with 13 errors for an opponent season-high .407 hitting percentage. Harding fell 25-14, 25-14 and 25-18.

Sophomore outside hitter Reagan Smith led Harding with six kills. Tate had seven digs to lead the Lady Bisons defense.

Sarah Roberts led UNA with 13 kills on 18 attempts with one error for a .667 hitting percentage. The Lions had five players hit over .300.

Harding will conclude the North Alabama Tournament on Saturday as they take on West Florida at 11 a.m.