SEARCY – The Harding volleyball team defeated Northwestern Oklahoma 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-21) on Friday in Great American Conference action at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.

RECORDS

Harding improves to 11-10 overall and 6-2 in the GAC. Northwestern Oklahoma falls to 6-12 overall and 4-4 in the GAC.

SET ONE HIGHLIGHTS

Leading 7-6 in the first set, Harding went on a 4-0 run on three kills to lead 11-6. After a Northwestern Oklahoma point, Harding went on a 6-2 run on three kills and three Ranger attack errors. The Lady Bisons went on to win the set 25-19. Harding had 13 kills in the set and only one attack error.

SET TWO HIGHLIGHTS

Northwestern Oklahoma jumped out to an 11-6 lead in the second set before Harding battled back and took an 18-15 lead on a 13-4 run. The Rangers battled back and pulled within one, 20-19, but the Lady Bisons held on to their lead to win the set 25-22.

SET THREE HIGHLIGHTS

Trailing 9-7 in the third set, Harding went on a 4-0 run to lead 11-9 on three kills and a Northwestern Oklahoma attack error. The teams exchanged points and then the Rangers tied the set at 13 on a kill by Asia Pipkin. Harding rallied to take a 20-16 lead on a 7-3 run. Northwestern Oklahoma climbed back to pull within two, 23-21, but back-to-back Lady Bison kills gave Harding the set and the match.

TEAM STATS

Harding is currently tied for second in the GAC standings with Southern Nazarene. Arkansas Tech is currently in first place with an 8-0 conference record. The top eight teams in the standings will earn a spot in the GAC Tournament held in Hot Springs, Arkansas Nov. 18-21.

With the win, Harding remains perfect at home with a 6-0 record this season.

Harding had 36 kills and hit .168 in the match.

Northwestern Oklahoma had 39 kills and hit .084 in the match. The Lady Bisons forced 27 Ranger attack errors.

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Harding was led by senior outside hitter Molly Howard who had 10 kills. Freshman middle blocker Zoe Hardin had eight kills and a match-high four blocks.

Junior defensive specialist Anna Leigh Cargile had a match-high 23 digs for the Lady Bisons. Freshman defensive specialist Taylor Lake added 14 digs.

Northwestern Oklahoma was led by Natalie Fahey and Asia Pipkin who each had nine kills.

The Ranger defense was led by Korina Lillard who had 14 digs.

QUOTE

Harding Head Coach Meredith Fear: "The team played very level headed and consistent tonight. Our defense showed up in a big way and we'll need to continue that tomorrow against a tough Southwestern Oklahoma team."

UP NEXT

Harding will be back in action on Saturday when it hosts Southwestern Oklahoma at 2 p.m., in GAC action at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.