Photo Gallery

Harding: Marindia Turner – 13 kills
Harding: Taryn Eubank – 36 assists and 10 digs
Arkansas-Monticello: Frankie Zaragoza – 11 digs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team defeated Arkansas-Monticello 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-20) on Thursday in the first round of the Great American Conference Tournament at Summit Arena. The Lady Bisons advance to the semifinals and will play Ouachita Baptist on Friday at 6 p.m.

It was Harding's ninth straight win and the second straight win against Arkansas-Monticello as the Lady Bisons improved to 26-7 overall. It was also the fourth straight win by Harding in the GAC Tournament dating back to last season.  

Harding jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first set on two kills by Alyssa Short. Leading 13-8, the Lady Bisons went on a 5-0 run to take an 18-8 lead as they forced two Arkansas-Monticello attack errors. A block by junior outside hitter Marindia Turner and junior middle blocker Liv Savage gave Harding the set 25-12. Turner had five kills in the set.  

Harding opened the third set on a 3-0 run on two kills. The Lady Bisons quickly put the set out of reach as they went on a 9-1 run to take a 14-5 lead. Harding took the set 25-15. The Lady Bisons forced nine Arkansas-Monticello attack errors and had 21 digs in the set.

The Cotton Blossoms opened the third set with a 4-1 lead. Harding quickly tied the match at five on a 4-1 run as they forced two Arkansas-Monticello attack errors. The two teams kept the set close in the middle of the set until Harding went on a 6-2 run to take a 20-17 lead. A kill by Savage gave the Lady Bisons the set 25-20. Savage and Turner both had five kills in the set.

Harding was led by Turner who had 13 kills. Junior setter Taryn Eubank captured a double-double with 36 assists and 10 digs. It was her 14th double-double this season. Copeland led the Lady Bisons defense with 14 digs and Arnold had 13.

Arkansas-Monticello ends their season with a 12-20 record. The Cotton Blossoms were led by Tori Bozzo who had six kills.

It was the first time Harding has faced the Cotton Blossoms at a neutral site and in the conference tournament.