ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Harding volleyball team defeated Henderson State 3-2 (19-25, 25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 15-9) on Thursday in non-conference action. The Lady Bisons improved to 17-7 overall.

It was the first time since 1999, Harding has met Henderson State in non-conference action.  Harding will play its final non-conference match at NCAA Division I opponent Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

The Lady Bisons had a bye in conference action on Thursday. Harding will resume GAC action next Thursday as they host Arkansas Tech at 7 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons are currently in second place in the GAC standings. Harding has already wrapped up a spot in the GAC Tournament held in Hot Springs, Ark., on Nov. 13-15. The top eight teams in the conference advance to the tournament. Harding will be fighting for what seed they will be the rest of the regular season.

The Lady Bisons were led by junior outside hitter Molly Howard who had a career-high 16 kills. Senior middle blocker Liv Savage had 12 kills and four blocks for the Lady Bisons and senior outside hitter Mardindia Turner captured a double-double with 10 kills and career-high 20 digs.

Senior setter Taryn Eubank quarterbacked Harding's offense, capturing her 32nd career double-double as she finished with 45 assists and 15 digs. Sophomore defensive specialist Anna Leigh Cargile had 19 digs and junior outside hitter Erica Heim had 10 digs.

Henderson State (4-22) was led by junior outside hitter Nayeli Colunga who had double-double with 14 kills and 22 digs. Junior setter Ryleigh Thompson also had 14 kills. Junior defensive specialist Andjela Reljic had a match-high 29 digs for the Reddies.

Tied a two apiece the match came down to the fifth set. Harding jumped out to a 4-0 lead but allowed Henderson State to pull within two 5-3 on three kills. The Lady Bisons then put the set out of reach, as they went on a 9-3 run to lead 14-6. A kill by Howard gave Harding the set and the match.