SEARCY – The sixth-ranked Harding volleyball team defeated Southwestern Oklahoma 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-13) Saturday in the semifinals of the Great American Conference Tournament. Harding will face Oklahoma Baptist in the tournament championship Sunday at 2 p.m.  

With the win, Harding breaks its record for the best start in program history. It is the first time in school history the Lady Bisons have started their season 12-0. The previous record was set back in 2017 when Harding went 11-0.

Southwestern Oklahoma ends its season with a 7-6 record.

Harding will look for its third GAC Tournament title Sunday.

FIRST SET

After trailing 3-1 in the first set, Harding went on an 8-1 run on four kills to lead 9-4. The Lady Bisons led the rest of the way as it won the set 25-17. Harding held Southwestern Oklahoma to hitting .029 in the set as the Bulldogs had nine attack errors.

SECOND SET

With the second set tied at five, Harding went on a 6-1 run on three kills to lead 11-6. Southwestern Oklahoma battled back to take a 23-21 lead but Harding won the next four points to win the set 25-23.

THIRD SET

Harding jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the third set and did not look back as it won 25-13. The Lady Bisons had 17 kills in the set, hit. 548 and had no attack errors.

STATS

Harding

-          Harding had 45 kills, nine attack errors and hit .336.

-          Logan Smith led Harding with 13 kills and hit .462. It was the third time this season she has hit over .400 in a match.

-          Libby Hinton had nine kills and hit .364. Ally Stoner had eight kills.

-          Harding had 10 blocks in the match with four players having four or more. Emily Smith led the Lady Bisons with six blocks. Ally Stoner, Sarah Morehead and Libby Hinton all had four blocks.

-          Sarah Morehead captured a double-double with 31 assists and 12 digs.

-          Katherine Cowart had 11 digs for Harding.

Southwestern Oklahoma

-          Southwestern Oklahoma had 35 kills, 21 attack errors and hit .128.

-          Samantha Kuzma had nine kills to lead the Bulldogs. She also hit .692.

-          Allie Hoang captured a double-double with 27 assists and 13 digs.