Aidan Efaw
Following their non-conference schedule, Harding’s volleyball team opened their Great American Conference (GAC) season with a win over Ouachita Baptist University on Sept. 24. The Lady Bisons and the Tigers went the distance on every set, with both teams scoring at least 20 points per set, including the fourth and final set which Harding took 27-25 to win the match.
The win gave the Lady Bisons their 36th straight home win over Ouachita Baptist and a 1-0 record in the tightly contested GAC, where Harding was picked to finish third with three first-place votes.
Head coach Meredith Fear was happy to start the conference slate unblemished. She expected a very competitive season from every team on the schedule and appreciated the fans who showed up for the home opener.
“It always feels good to snag a GAC win in your home opener,” Fear said. “I think we know every single match this year is winnable but we also know there are no ‘easy’ wins this year either. I think the league has already proven it’s going to be really competitive. We are always so appreciative of the students and fans that choose to spend their night cheering us on! They definitely helped us and made it a fun, exciting atmosphere!”
The dedicated fans propelled the Lady Bisons to a great performance, including a career-high 16 kills from junior Jacey Lambert. She was tied for first in kills between both teams, and added three blocks to put away the Tigers. Lambert praised the team’s setter Olivia Wiedower for setting up Harding’s potent offense, and hopes that a good start will give the Lady Bisons the momentum they need to go far this season.
“For the team, I really hope we will continue to build what we have been working on in practice, it is already constantly getting better everyday,” Lambert said. “ I believe we have so much talent and incredible girls on this team and have the ability to go very far.”
Senior Delaney Garner led the Lady Bisons defensively with five blocks and a personal record of 12 kills. Garner praised the team’s chemistry for delivering a balanced attack, helping them stay ahead of Ouachita in close sets.
“I could not have performed the way I did without the help and encouragement of my teammates,” Garner said. “Volleyball is truly a team sport and I only hope to continue to improve for my teammates.”
