SEARCY – The 23rd ranked Harding volleyball team travels to Russellville, Ark., on Thursday to face Arkansas Tech at 7 p.m., in Great American Conference action. Currently the Lady Bisons are tied with the Golden Suns for first place in the GAC.

Harding heads into the match with a 14-2 overall record and 5-0 record in the GAC. Arkansas Tech is 14-1 on the season and 5-0 in the GAC after defeating East Central on Tuesday, 3-0. The Golden Suns have won their last 14 matches. They lost to William Jewell to open the season and haven't lost since.

The Lady Bisons are led by sophomore outside hitter Mollie Arnold who averages 4.00 kills (first in the GAC) and 3.31 digs (10th in the GAC). Sophomore middle blocker Alyssa Sort, reigning GAC Defender of the Week, ranks second in the GAC in hitting percentage (.335). She also ranks seventh in blocks (0.82).

The Harding defense is led by sophomore defensive specialist Weslynn Williams who averages 4.24 digs per set.

Either Arkansas Tech or Harding leads five of the seven conference stat categories. The Lady Bisons lead in opponent hitting percentage (.123), assists (12.66) and kills (13.64). The Golden Suns lead in hitting percentage (.242) and service aces (2.31).

Arkansas Tech is led by Laura Farney who averages 3.30 kills per set and 2.54 digs per set. Benda Brennae leads the Golden Suns defense averaging 4.28 digs per set.

It will be the 71st meeting between the two schools. Arkansas Tech leads 38-32.

Links for live stats and free live video will be available on hardingsports.com