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RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team defeated Southern Arkansas 3-0 in the semifinals of the Great American Conference Tournament on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Bisons will play the winner of the Arkansas Tech-East Central match for a chance at the GAC Tournament Title tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Harding continued their stellar defense in the tournament as they racked up a season-high 14 total team blocks. The Lady Bisons were led by senior middle-blocker Alex Smith who tied a career-high with eight blocks. Junior right-side hitter Bailee Graham also tied a career-high with six blocks.

Harding took the first two sets with ease and didn't trail in the match until the third set. Southern Arkansas jumped out to an 11-6 lead and led until the Lady Bisons went on a 4-0 run to tie the set at 22. SAU had set point when Courtney Smith had a kill to put the Lady Muleriders up 24-23. HU then had two straight kills to lead 25-24. A Southern Arkansas hitting error gave the Lady Bisons a 26-24 win.

Sophomore outside hitter Mollie Arnold led Harding with a match-high 17 kills. The Lady Bisons were led on defense by senior defensive specialist Amber Parker who had a match-high 17 digs.

Southern Arkansas (17-16) was led by Jordan White who had 11 kills. The Lady Muleriders were led on defense by Becca Pate who had 12 digs.

It's the first time since the 2006 season, Harding has played in the conference championship match.