Box Score

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team fell to Arkansas Tech 3-2 in the Great American Conference Tournament Championship match on Saturday night. The Lady Bisons had two players selected to the All-Tournament Team – Mollie Arnold and Alyssa Short. HU ends their season with a 25-8 record.

Harding got out to a great start taking the first set 25-20. The Lady Bisons took a 12-9 lead in the second set but Arkansas Tech battled back on a 6-2 run to take a 16-14 lead. The Golden Suns built on their momentum and went on a 9-2 run to take set two 25-17.

The third set was close until Arkansas Tech broke away on a 6-0 run and didn't look back as they took set three 25-16.

Harding found themselves down 16-11 midway through the fourth set. The Lady Bisons battled back and went on an 8-1 run to take a 20-18 lead. Harding had set point two times but both times the Golden Suns tied the set. Harding forced the Golden Suns to two hitting errors as they took the fourth set 27-25.

In the fifth deciding set, Harding jumped out to 4-0 lead. Arkansas Tech rattled off four straight points to tie the set at 4. Harding tried to breakaway going up by two, 7-5, but once again Tech tied the set and then went on a 5-2 run to take a 12-9 lead. Harding couldn't overcome the deficit as Arkansas Tech won the Inaugural GAC Tournament.

Arkansas Tech had four players that finshed in double-figure kills. Laura Farney led the Golden Suns with 20 kills. Farney also captured a double-double with 17 digs. Kelly O'Malley added 17, Sara Motsinger had 14 and Thabata Galvao had 11.

The Golden Suns had a match-high 96 digs and finished with five players in double-figure digs. Brennae Benda, GAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, led with 20 digs.  Taylor Brown had 19 digs, Amber Cerrillos had 15 and Marcela Mascarenhas added 12.

Harding was led by sophomore outside hitter Mollie Arnold who captured a double-double with 20 kills and 12 digs. It was the 21^st time this season Arnold has had a double-double.

The Lady Bisons defense was led by sophomore defensive specialist Weslynn Williams who had 20 digs. Senior defensive specialist Amber Parker added 17 and sophomore outside hitter Lisa Copeland finished with 11.

Arkansas Tech outhit Harding with a .262 hitting percentage. The Lady Bisons had 48 kills, 23 errors on 185 attempts for a .135 percentage.

Harding, who has been blocking well the first two tournament matches, only had five team blocks.