Harding: Mollie Arnold – 15 kills and 18 digs
Harding: Taryn Eubank – 11 kills, 32 assists and 12 digs
Northwestern Oklahoma: Asia Pipkin – 17 kills
Northwestern Oklahoma: Megan Hentschke – 28 digs

SEARCY – The Harding volleyball team won the Great American Conference regular season for the second straight year on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Northwestern Oklahoma. The Lady Bisons improved to 24-7 overall and 13-0 in the GAC.

It was the seventh straight win for Harding as they extended their conference winning streak to 30 matches and their home winning streak to 24, as both streaks date back to the 2011 season.

Harding jumped out of the gate as they led 14-1 in the first set. The Lady Bisons only allowed Northwestern Oklahoma to score seven more points as HU won the set 25-8.

The second set was close until Harding went on a 5-1 to lead 20-16. Back-to-back kills by junior middle blocker Liv Savage gave the Lady Bisons a 22-17 lead. Harding scored three of the next four points to take the set, 25-19.

The third set was all Northwestern Oklahoma as they took a 16-7 lead as they forced six HU errors. Down 22-15, Harding tried to mount a comeback as they went on a 4-0 run on three kills and a service aces by senior outside hitter Mollie Arnold. The Rangers took three of the last four points to take the set, 25-16.

Harding was able to answer back each NWOSU run in the fourth set until the Rangers broke away on a 3-0 run on two kills. The Lady Bisons couldn't mount a comeback as a Harding service error gave NWOSU the set and tied the match at two.

Northwestern Oklahoma took a 10-6 lead in the fifth set before Harding got things rolling. HU went on a 6-1 run to lead 12-11. The Rangers quickly tied the set and took a 13-12 lead on a kill and an HU attack error. Harding scored the next three points to take the set and match.

The Lady Bisons were led by junior setter Taryn Eubank who had a triple-double with 11 kills, 32 assists and 12 digs. Arnold led HU in hitting with 15 kills. She also had 18 digs. Senior defensive specialist Lisa Copeland had 14 digs.

Northwestern Oklahoma (5-22, 2-10 GAC) was led by freshman outside hitter Asia Pipkin who had 17 kills and eight digs. Freshman setter Tiana Barnett had 41 asissts and 10 digs. Sophomore defensive specialist Megan Hentschke led the NWOSU defense with 28 digs.

After the match, Harding recognized three seniors for their contribution to the Harding volleyball program – Mollie Arnold, Lisa Copeland and Alyssa Short.

The Lady Bisons will play their final regular season match on Thursday as they travel to Arkansas-Monticello in GAC action. First serve is at 6 p.m.