Written by Nic Fraraccio // Photo provided by Nathan Looney

Harding Volleyball has continued its success in the Great American Conference (GAC) during the 2023 season. In the conference standings, the Lady Bisons currently sit in first place after winning eight conference games in a row.

Multiple key victories have propelled the Lady Bisons to first in the conference. On Oct. 6, Harding defeated the Oklahoma Baptist University Bison in three sets for their fifth conference win of the season. Fifth-year outside hitter Logan Smith-Morgan and sophomore middle blocker Jacey Lambert led the team with 10 kills each.

This was Harding’s first straight-set victory against the Bison since 2018. Morgan said the victory was a big moment for the team during their undefeated start.

“Oklahoma Baptist is the team we always look at in our conference and know that it’s gonna be a competitive game,” Morgan said. “It felt good to sweep and take three sets off of them quickly.”

Harding would win their next three matchups before losing their first conference game of the season against Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Oct. 13. The four-set loss broke Harding’s 29-game conference winning streak that dated back to the 2021 season.

Harding’s success is driven not only by the team’s ability on the court but by their companionship off-court. Lambert said the family environment plays a big role for the Lady Bisons.

“We make it a point to get to know each other outside of volleyball and on the court,” Lambert said. “We’re all able to support each other in the ways we know best.”

Junior middle blocker Delaney Garner said head coach Meredith Fear helps build the family environment on and off the court.

“She notices people’s strengths and weaknesses and how they want to be coached,” Garner said. “She really takes that into consideration, and I think it definitely helps to build that relationship.”

Harding’s remaining conference schedule will prove pivotal for conference tournament seeding. The Lady Bisons will face two rivals in back-to-back matchups. Harding will travel to Ouachita Baptist University on Oct. 31 followed by a home matchup Nov. 2 against Arkansas Tech University.

As the season continues, Morgan said she would love to see the stands filled during home games.

“We need good turnouts to finish the season,” Morgan said. “I would love to see the energy there.”

The Lady Bisons will continue their conference schedule today as they host Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The first serve is set for 4 p.m. in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.