Box Score

SEARCY – The Harding volleyball team broke a five game losing streak as they swept Southern Arkansas 3-0 to open Gulf South Conference play Tuesday night at the Rhodes Field House. Harding improves to 6-7 overall and 1-0 in the GSC West Division.

Freshman outside hitter Mollie Arnold made her home debut in an impressive fashion, capturing 12 kills and 10 digs for her fifth double-double on the season. Arnold had one error on 22 attempts for a season-high .500 hitting percentage.

The two teams exchanged points early in the first set until Harding broke out and went on an 11-4 run. The Lady Bisons didn't look back taking the set, 25-19.

Harding took control of the second set with five kills to take a 10-7 lead. The Lady Muleriders (6-4, 0-1 GSCW) battled back to within three, 21-18, but the Harding offense struck fast with three straight points. An Arnold kill gave the Lady Bisons a 2-0 advantage heading into the third set.

The Lady Muleriders had two quick errors to allow the Lady Bisons to jump out to a 4-0 lead in the third set. Harding put the set away as a sophomore outside hitter Reagan Smith kill led to a 7-1 run as they Lady Bisons took the set, 25-14.

Smith led the Harding offense with 13 kills. Senior Emily Tate had 11 digs to lead the Harding defense.

Harding had 40 kills on 91 attempts with 10 errors (season-low) for a season-high .330 hitting percentage.

Harding had eight blocks on night. Freshman middle blocker Alyssa Short led the Lady Bisons with five, two were solo.

Junior middle blocker Lindsey Wilcox led Southern Arkansas with eight kills.

The Lady Bisons will take a much needed week break until they face Arkansas Tech next Tuesday in Gulf South Conference play at 7 p.m., in Russellville, Ark.