Box Score
Photo Gallery
Harding: Mollie Arnold – 16 kills and 13 digs
Harding: Taryn Eubank – 31 assists
Harding: Lisa Copeland – 14 digs
Arkansas Tech: Sara Motsinger – 12 kills
Arkansas Tech: Morgan McKellar – 21 digs
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team fell in the Great American Conference Championship match to Arkansas Tech 3-0 at Summit Arena. The Lady Bisons (27-8) will have to leave their fate up to the NCAA Volleyball Selection Committee to determine if they will advance to the NCAA Postseason Tournament. The selection show will air Monday at 6:30 p.m., Central Time on NCAA.com
It was the second time Harding has fallen to Arkansas Tech in the GAC Tournament Finals. The Golden Suns defeated Harding 3-2 in Russellville, Ark., in 2011.
Set one stayed close until Arkansas Tech took a 14-10 on a kill by Sara Motsinger. The Golden Suns lead proved to be too much for Harding to overcome as Arkansas Tech took set one 25-19. The Lady Bisons had nine attack errors in the set.
Harding jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the second set on two kills but Arkansas Tech quickly tied the set at four as they forced two Lady Bison attack errors. The set stayed close through the middle of the set until Harding took a 20-17 lead on three kills. Harding couldn't put Arkansas Tech away as the Golden Suns came back and tied the set at 21. Arkansas Tech took a 24-22 on another Harding attack error. Harding battled back to tie the set on a kill by senior middle blocker Alyssa Short. The Lady Bisons had set point twice but Arkansas Tech came back each time and eventually took the set 32-30.
Harding was led by senior outside hitter Mollie Arnold who captured her 69th career double-double with 16 kills and 13 digs.
Harding senior defensive specialist Lisa Copeland, led the defense with 14 digs.
Arnold and Copeland were both selected to the All-Tournament Team. It was third time Arnold has received the award and the first for Copeland.
Arkansas Tech who improved to 25-11 will represent the GAC in the NCAA Postseason Tournament with the automatic bid.
The Golden Suns were led by Sara Motsinger who had 12 kills. Defensive specialist Morgan McKeller had a match-high 21 digs.
