ALVA, Okla. – The Harding volleyball team defeated Northwestern Oklahoma State 3-0 on Saturday to claim the Great American Conference Regular Season Championship. It's the Lady Bisons first conference championship since 2009. HU will host the GAC Tournament on Nov. 15-17.

Since joining the NCAA in 1997, Harding has won a conference regular season championship eight times. It's their first since joining the GAC last season. The Lady Bisons won seven when they were a member of the Gulf South Conference (2000-10).

It was the Lady Bisons 10th straight win. It also ties for the most conference wins (13) in a season. Harding won 13 two other times; 2011 and 2005.

Harding (24-6, 13-0 GAC) hit a season-high .410 in the match, which ranks 10th all-time in school history. Harding's .410 broke the GAC record for hitting percentage in a conference match. Southwestern Oklahoma State hit .407 against Northwestern Oklahoma State earlier this season. It's also the first time the Lady Bisons have hit over .400 in match since 2010. HU hit .402 against Lyon.

Freshman outside hitter Molly Howard led Harding with a career-high 12 kills. She also hit for a career-high .400. Junior outside hitter Mollie Arnold hit .545 and had seven kills and seven digs for the Lady Bisons.

Harding's defense was led by Lisa Copeland who had 11 digs. Freshman middle blocker Cassie Morris led HU at the net with a career-high four blocks.

Northwestern Oklahoma State (1-26, 0-13 GAC) was led by Paola Turibio who had eight kills.

Harding forced 21 hitting errors as they held the Rangers to hitting .045. NWOSU also had seven service errors.

Harding will play their final regular season match on Nov. 8th as they host Arkansas-Monticello on Senior Night.