JACKSON, Tenn. – The Harding volleyball team closed out the Union Volleyball Classic with a bang as it defeated Arkansas-Fort Smith 3-2 and Union 3-0.
Ella Drake and Jacey Lambert were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
Harding improves to 3-1 on the season.
Arkansas-Forth Smith falls to 2-1 and Union falls to 0-3.
ARK.-FORT SMITH MATCH
The Harding volleyball team showed its resolve and rallied for a five-set victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith on Saturday at the Union Classic, winning 25-23, 22-25, 16-25, 25-23, 15-6.
After a dominant performance in the fifth set, capped by a kill from Maegan Jones, the Lady Bisons (2-1) completed a thrilling comeback. Ella Drake led the way with 15 kills and two aces. Jacey Lambert added 13 kills and Payton Hilmer had nine.
Here is a breakdown of each set:
· First Set (Harding 25, Ark.-Fort Smith 23): The Lady Bisons jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on an ace from Ella Drake and an Arkansas-Fort Smith error. Trailing 18-14, Harding went on a 10-3 run to lead 24-21. A kill by Drake gave Harding the win 25-23.
· Second Set (Ark.-Fort Smith 25, Harding 22): Arkansas-Fort Smith took control of the set with a 6-0 run that gave the Lions a 14-9 lead. Harding attempted to rally, but the Lions held on to win and tie the match at one set apiece.
· Third Set (Ark.-Fort Smith 25, Harding 16): The Lions continued their momentum, using another strong run to take a 12-5 lead. Arkansas-Fort Smith hit .333 in the set to win by a nine-point margin and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
· Fourth Set (Harding 25, Ark.-Fort Smith 23): With the match on the line, Harding found its rhythm. The Lady Bisons took an early 5-1 lead and extended it to 14-6. Harding held off a late surge from the Lions to win the set and force a decisive fifth set.
· Fifth Set (Harding 15, Ark.-Fort Smith 6): The Lady Bisons carried their momentum into the final set, starting with a 4-0 run on three kills. Harding's offense was efficient, hitting .263, while the defense held the Lions to a negative hitting percentage. Harding sealed the match on a kill from Maegan Jones.
Setters Carter Fouche and Olivia Wiedower were instrumental in the victory, finishing with 25 and 17 assists, respectively. Maddie Burrough anchored the defense with 11 digs.
UNION MATCH
The Harding volleyball team swept the host team Union 3-0 to close out the Union Volleyball Classic Saturday. The Lady Bisons (3-1) controlled the match from the start, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and an aggressive serving game.
Harding secured the win with set scores of 25-12, 26-24, and 25-12, holding Union's offense to a .023 hitting percentage for the match.
· First Set (Harding 25, Union 12): The Lady Bisons jumped out to an early lead. Harding extended its advantage with a seven-point service run by Carter Fouche, which featured four bad sets. Ella Drake tallied a kill to close out the set.
· Second Set (Harding 26, Union 24): This set proved to be more competitive, with Union taking an early 4-1 lead. However, Harding quickly responded, taking a 18-14 lead. Union fought back to tie the set at 24-24, but a timely kill by Ella Drake and a service ace sealed the victory for Harding.
· Third Set (Harding 25, Union 12): The Lady Bisons wasted no time in the final set, establishing a 6-2 lead behind another two aces from Ella Drake. Harding continued its relentless attack, going on a 7-1 run to close the set.
Drake and Rauly Eason each led Harding's offense with nine kills apiece. Eason also hit .444 in the match. Payton Hilmer also had an efficient performance, hitting .455 with six kills.
Ella Drake's seven service aces tied for second most by a player in a three set match in Harding history. Mollie Arnold set the record of nine serves aces in a three-set match at Arkansas-Monticello Nov. 15, 2013.
Harding will be back in action next weekend when it takes part in the Southwest Baptist Tournament in Bolivar, Missouri. The Lady Bisons open the tournament against Christian Brothers Friday at 9:30 a.m.
