VOLUME 128, ISSUE 6
the
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
SIGNAL A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y
contents
PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
cover story.......................................3 news....................................................4-5 arts/entertainment.....................6 opinions................................................7 Sports....................................................8 pioneer
HR
global networker educator
CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL
SCAN FOR AN ONLINE EDITION
The M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership combines professional and practical educational experiences to develop exceptional Christian leaders in churches, camps, and colleges. Join a global community with a passion for adventure and experiential learning. wheaton.edu/MA-Adventure
Dr. Muhia Karianjahi Graduate Program and Global Initiatives Manager Board Member of Christian Camping International
Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center E-Mail: signal@obu.edu Phone: 870.245.5210
the
SIGNAL
Ethan Dial
Addy Goodman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Caleb Byrd
COPY EDITOR
Sara Patterson
NEWS & OPINIONS EDITOR
Phoebe Huff
STAFF ARTIST/CARTOONIST
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS EDITOR
Dr. Jeff Root Adviser
Justin Trostle
MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR
Catherine Lyp
Caity Hatchett
AD COORDINATOR
PHOTO EDITOR
Danielle Sourber PHOTO EDITOR
Dr. Deborah Root Adviser
The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Hope Star. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via e-mail to signal@obu.edu.
cover story WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 3
Archer’s service uplifts Arkadelphia community BY SARA PATTERSON News and Opinions Editor
“Servant leader” is a perfect way to describe Lauren Archer. Archer, a senior speech pathology major with a Christian studies minor from Fordyce, Arkansas, has served as leader of the Elrod Center’s Thanksgiving basket program for the past three years. Archer discovered the program from an email and a last-minute decision to get involved in the project during her freshman year. “I grabbed one of my friends and I said, ‘Hey, will you come with me? Let’s go deliver a basket; I think it would be fun,’” Archer said. While it didn’t seem to be a monumental decision at the time, hindsight reveals that this decision would give Archer a context to grow in and a platform to work out her calling during her college years. On one of her delivery stops, Archer met a family who felt the impact of the Thanksgiving basket to an extent that Archer did not expect. “Freshman year I went and this one lady, she had a little two or three-year-old boy, was so shocked to be getting the basket,” Archer said. “She was crying and she said, ‘I just lost my job and now I’m trying to find another one, but I just haven’t found anything yet; we don’t have much at all. This means a whole lot to us!’ After that, I was still able to go and have lunch with her one day and just talk and keep in contact with her…It didn’t just end with delivering a basket.” Archer came away from her first delivery experience feeling deeply encouraged. She expressed her feelings to Judy Duvall, the associate director of the Elrod Center. “Afterward, I was just talking to Mrs. Judy about the ladies that
I went to go take the baskets to and how I really loved the conversations that we got to have,” Archer said. Archer’s enthusiasm was so evident to Duvall that she offered Archer the opportunity to lead the Thanksgiving basket project for the next year. “That’s what kind of started it and then it just progressed from there. Freshman year I just did it and then the past three years I’ve been leading it,” Archer said. Duvall’s faith in Archer’s passion and ability to lead and serve has been a huge motivation for Archer, both in the context of the service project and in her personal college journey. “I love Mrs. Judy. She’s so encouraging. When I go to talk to her about the baskets, we end up talking about other things in life and she’s just a good role model and always encouraging and uplifting and just sweet,” Archer said. Archer has grown from leading with Duvall in this community service. Looking back over the years, she sees how she has acquired more leadership skills, confidence, and spiritual growth from both Duvall’s leadership and the opportunity to lead in service. “I think that getting to work with Mrs. Judy and be a leader for the program has helped me grow in a lot of ways,” Archer said. Specifically, Archer has been touched by the need that exists in such proximity to her life here in Arkadelphia. “Like I said in chapel, I didn’t realize how much need was here in Arkadelphia with things just like food,” Archer said. “I realized that I don’t have to go to another country to help people and that way. I can just go across the street. I think it’s just helped me grow in lots of different ways and opened my eyes to see a lot that I wouldn’t have seen if I hadn’t done that.”
For Archer, her steadfast commitment to serve in this position overflows from her own gratitude and personal convictions regarding service. “I like serving just to give back because so many people have done things for me,” Archer said. “I love people and I love helping people and getting to do that in little ways like putting a basket together.” Archer starts working on the project right after Tiger Tunes ends each year. To prepare for delivery day, she communicates with counselors of the public schools in Arkadelphia as well as leadership from Lighthouse Ministries to find which families need a basket. From there, she works alongside Duvall to recruit student volunteers. The increasing number of students that are willing to volunteer has been a great source of affirmation for Archer as the project has developed over the years. “More people are getting involved in that and the different social clubs have been helping,” Archer said. “I think that each year we have more helpers. Last year it actually went the fastest that it’s ever gone; we were through packing boxes in two hours because of the people that came to help. We were just knocking it out, and delivery also went quicker this past year.” Volunteers are needed each year to donate food, assemble baskets and deliver baskets to families in Arkadelphia. The families in the community do not know that they will be receiving a basket until delivery day, so students who deliver often get to witness the shock and sincere gratitude that these families feel in response to the generous blessings of Ouachita students. Students can help meet the needs of Arkadelphia families by donating food items or delivering a basket on this year’s delivery day, November 25.
Senior Lauren Archer packs Thanksgiving baskets to distribute to the Arkadelphia community through the Elrod Center. Archer has been heavily involved since her freshman year. (photo by Justin Trostle)
news
PAGE 4 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Stepping Up for Ouachita recognizes women BY RYLEE ROBERTS Staff Writer
Senior Addy Goodman addresses the crowd at the luncheon, speaking as a current Ouachita woman who has valued her experience. She reflected on her time at Ouachita and gave thanks for all of those who contribute so much to the university.
Dr. Ben Sells speaks to the audience at the Chenal Country Club. Current and former students, as well as donors and sponsors, attended the Stepping Up for Ouachita annual luncheon, which honored three women instead of one this year.
Honorees, Livia Dunklin, Kathy Whisenhunt and Betty Tollett (left to right), pose for a photo at this year’s Stepping Up for Ouachita. Ouachita celebrated these three women at the luncheon last Friday. (photos courtesy of Alex Blakenship)
Female empowerment. Educational support. Genuine community. OBU honors women who live out the core Ouachita values in their adult lives and pour their resources back into the school, allowing the institution to continually educate generations. With traditions like Stepping Up for Ouachita, moral and academic excellence will continue to characterize Ouachita’s alumni and supporters. On Friday, November 15, Ouachita hosted the tenth annual Stepping Up for Ouachita luncheon at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. Each year, the Stepping Up for Ouachita steering committee nominates women who exemplify Ouachita’s values of spiritual and intellectual excellence. The president then chooses which woman to honor at the luncheon. This year, for the first time in the event’s history, Ouachita celebrated three women instead of one. Livia Dunklin, Betty Tollett and Kathy Whisenhunt, all mothers of Ouachita graduates, received recognition for their character in both their personal and professional lives. On top of their work and wisdom in their career fields, each of these women have faithfully served their churches. They received, as each year’s honorees do, a glass slipper as a token of the honor. “It is important to recognize people who do good,” said Rachel Mills, a senior mass communications major from Longview, Texas. Mills attended and contributed to the event as a part of an Event Planning class. The event brings together donors and sponsors to hear the ways
Ouachita continues to provide exceptional educational experiences for its students. Addy Goodman, a senior communications and political science double major from Arkadelphia, was asked to speak at the luncheon and enjoyed reflecting on her meaningful time at Ouachita. Several students attended the event on behalf of Ouachita to speak with donors in Little Rock who came to support the fundraiser. Students shared pieces of their Ouachita experience over lunch and received the reminder that strong, Christ-like women give of themselves to support the education of women. Stepping Up for Ouachita aims to raise scholarship money for female students. In the last ten years, the event has funded over $500,000 in scholarships for women studying at Ouachita. Events like Stepping Up for Ouachita cultivate the OBU community beyond the campus boundaries. Age gaps, life experiences and other differences fail to separate those who share a love for the campus and its mission. Katie Kumpuris, a senior music education major from Little Rock, attended the luncheon on behalf of the Georgia Hickingbotham residence hall. “It really inspired me to carry out my life with that kind of service and sacrificial love,” Kumpuris said. “These women live out what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman.” Each attendee received a candle as a reminder and encouragement to exemplify the character and work ethic of a Proverbs 31 woman. The candle, called “Fine Linen and Purple,” embodies Ouachita’s colors but ultimately represents Proverbs 31:22: “Her clothing is fine linen and purple.”
NEWS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 5
OBU’s Jeff Crow to run for Senate District 13
BY CRAIG CRAWFORD Staff Writer
Jeff Crow, the director of safety and emergency management at Ouachita, is running against incumbent Alan Clark in the Republican primary and hopes to run against Democratic opponent Brandon Overly for State Senator of District 13 in the general election in 2020. Senate District 13 encompasses all of Hot Springs County, southern Saline County, southern Garland County, and western Grant County. The Republican primary will take place March 3, 2020. Early voting for the primary begins Feb. 17, 2020. The primary runoff occurs March 31, 2020. The general election will take place Nov. 3, 2020. At Ouachita, Crow organizes and supervises the safety staff and gives broad guidance in the maintenance of a safe and welcoming environment, especially in the events of criminal activity and disruption, in addition to handling other responsibilities of the safety staff, such as parking violations and unlocking facilities. “The purpose of me coming here was to create a law enforcement agency in addition to the security officers that already existed on campus and replace the contract security company with a university-led security force consisting of university employees that serve the security ops positions, but also, in addition to that, provided law enforcement services to the university community,” Crow said. Crow grew up in Bismarck and attended high school there before receiving his associate degree from what is now National Park College. Crow received a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from John Brown University and received his master’s degree in public administration from Arkan-
Officer Jeff Crow poses in the Evans Student Center. Crow is the director of safety at Ouachita and is devoted to keeping students here safe. (photo courtesy of Tyler Rosenthal)
sas State University. Crow’s previous employments span a wide-ranging, 37 year career in public service. Directly out of high school, Crow served in the United States Marine Corps on active duty and in the reserves for 25 years. Crow has worked at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas State Police, among other places. His introduction to Ouachita began when his daughter attended campus in 2014 for early registration. Crow had a conversation then with Dr. Wesley Kluck about the security presence on campus.
Dr. Kluck, sharing concerns with Crow, then worked to get Crow to come to Ouachita. Crow’s employment at Ouachita began in February of 2018, the year his daughter graduated. “The thing that really drew me to Ouachita was just the university’s mission, the quality of the administration, the faculty, the high caliber students that go to school here. Just an overall appreciation of what Ouachita stands for,” Crow said. If Crow is elected to the Arkansas State Senate, he will begin session in January 2021. While his availability will decrease, Crow
believes that his involvement in state legislature will not be a detriment his capacity to serve at Ouachita, considering the advent of technology. He believes that this precedent of multi-tasking public service goes back to the founding fathers. “I think that that’s what our founders envisioned. We would have people that work in their careers, and then they would take a break from that career. They would go to our capitol and work on the people’s behalf and then go home,” Crow said. Crow is a devout Christian and
strives to maintain the humility learned through Jesus Christ. His concern for the well-being of other people drives him to serve the state of Arkansas in a different capacity. “This isn’t about another title for Jeff Crow. It’s not, it’s not that at all. This is, to me, a step of obedience, an act of faith, and it’s just a desire to, to continue to serve in a different capacity,” Crow said. “That’s when I’m most alive, that’s when I feel like I’m doing what God put me on this earth to do.” More information about Crow and his campaign can be found at https://www.crow4senate.com.
arts/entertainment PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Festival of Christmas ignites holiday cheer on OBU’s campus BY FAITH LYMBURNER Staff Writer
Christmas is a time of joy and wonder, a time of singing carols and giving gifts. It’s a season that we all know and love, but it is especially a time of traditions. People all over America enjoy various Christmas traditions; they continue the old or start new ones. Ouachita is no different. It follows right along with the rest of the country in making and continuing holiday traditions. One of the wonderful festivities that Ouachita produces is Festival of Christmas. It is a performance that many at Ouachita will always remember and that new people can’t wait to experience. The tradition, program and the experience provided for all involved makes it unforgettable. Festival of Christmas started in December of 1993. It was one of the first major events that took place in the newly opened Jones Performing Arts Center. The production was meant to be a showcase for the music students, both choral and instrumental; it was a way to display their amazing talent as a gift to the community. This year, the performances are scheduled for Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Gary Gerber is the music director for the show, and he selects most of the music involved. The other directors, Women’s Chorus Director Natilan Crutcher and Ouachita Singers Director Joshua Brown, select the music for their own choirs. Gerber, who is responsible for coordinating the production, has been serving in this role for 15 years. It is Crutcher’s first semester at Ouachita and her first time being a part of the perfor-
‘Last Christmas’ review showcases new take on timeless holiday romances
playing a Scrooge while being able to create a caring relationship with Staff Writer the audience. The chemistry be“Last Christmas” focuses on a tween Clarke and Golding is very girl named Kate (Emilia Clarke), powerful. Yeoh’s acting is outwho works for Santa (Michelle standing in this film, and her charYeoh) as a Christmas elf, while acter aids in bringing this movie to trying to become famous as an ac- life while also enhancing the comedy of the movie. The song “Last tress. Her mother (Emma Thompson) Christmas” is played so many and father (Boris Isakovic) are times throughout this film that very judgmental about Kate’s life it starts to feel like the only song decisions. Kate and bad luck go to- that exists to celebrate the holiday. Even though this gether like peasong is played an nut butter and almost annoying jelly—that is, number of times, until she meets the movie gives Tom (Henry this song a new Golding), a meaning. man who vol“Last Christunteers at the mas” is a well-dohomeless shelne Christmas film ter. Tom makes that will put the Kate reevalaudience into the uate her life, Christmas spirit. including the I really enjoyed relationships watching this she has with comedy. There her entire fam-Wyatt Ashlock was a plot twist in ily. Tom helps this film that I did Kate to make not see coming this the last Christmas that she spends living a and threw me for a whirl. Overall, it was a good film, but I wish selfish life. “Last Christmas” is a romantic that the vulgar scene was left out comedy, focusing on the humor because it was very unnecessary. that the holidays can create in one’s Despite that scene, the movie is relife. The writing of this film is very ally good. It is a Christmas film that is unwell done, and there is a Hallmark Christmas movie vibe to this mo- like many of the stereotypical rotion picture. However, there are mantic holiday movies. There are a few plot twists in this film, and a few cheesy moments throughout there is one scene that is unneces- - especially with the song - but it sary to the plot and uses a heavy does not take away from the qualamount of vulgar language which ity of the movie. I would recomis not present in the rest of the film. mend this film to people ages 15 That scene ruins the holiday vibe and up due to some of the content in the movie. I give this film four of the movie. Clarke does an excellent job at out of five tiger paws.
BY WYATT ASHLOCK
Ouachita produces Festival of Christmas in Jones Performing Arts Center. Performances will be held Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m. (photo courtesy of Dr. Wesley Kluck)
mance. She is looking forward to her first Festival of Christmas and sees the tradition as a wonderful opportunity for Ouachita to come together and celebrate the Christmas season. The program features performances by Concert Choir, the Festival of Christmas band, Women’s Chorus, Ouachita Singers and Ouachita Sounds. There is also a pit band comprised of other band students. While Concert Choir is the main choir, that doesn’t detract from the rest of the groups performing. There are some pieces that the Women’s Chorus members are looking forward to performing, and those selections are mixed with some new music to give both the audience and the chorus a new experience. As a whole, the program is filled with both classics and new songs. “FOC is magic,” said Ary-
ana Gardner, a junior Festival of Christmas veteran. “Comparing the first night of rehearsal versus the first show is truly amazing. You wouldn’t believe it.” All who have been part of the tradition or have seen the production before never forget it. Gerber says that this event requires much coordination and hard work. It consists of music selection, musicians, choreography and graphic design for the poster and program. A crew in Jones works to set up the stage, costumes, lighting and sound. It takes many people to put on a production like this and there are around 150 students involved. The whole campus is excited for this magical production. “I’m just excited to kick off the holiday season with this awesome Ouachita tradition,” said Isabella Owen, a freshman Women’s Chorus member.
“It is a Christmas film that is unlike many stereotypical romantic holiday movies.”
OPINIONS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7
Hallmark reflects reliability one can find in God’s hands BY ETHAN DIAL Editor-In-Chief
For my last editorial in the last edition of the newspaper until next semester, I’ve decided to write about something very near and dear to my heart: Hallmark Christmas movies! Though you are quite likely to consider this a joking matter, there isn’t hardly anything else that puts me in the Christmas spirit like grabbing my blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, snuggling up on the couch with my sweet puppy and tuning in to view Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas. In fact, this year is special because it’s Hallmark’s 10th anniversary of this tradition. So, every weekend from now until Dec. 25, I will be happily at home watching what many consider to be cheesy, poorly written, predictable romantic comedies. While I have received much criticism for this obsession of mine, I’ve come to realize why I find these movies oh-so appealing. Being that it feels like I’ve been running a marathon my whole college experience, with one busy day after the other, these Hallmark movies grant relaxation. While sitting back and watching the show, I can actually enjoy it. The predictability is assuring. I don’t have to wonder about how it
will end or even pay that much attention. In fact, I can take a snooze halfway through and still know how the movie will end. I can quite literally rest assured. I can’t help but wonder if the writers of Hallmark’s inevitable plot lines have some sort of deeper revelation than the rest of us. Doesn’t it seem like they grasp the concept of trusting that everything will work out no matter the circumstance? In this world, each one of us is tasked with a “challenging syllabus,” as author Ian Morgan Cron puts it. Right now, the assignments in my syllabus end with a question mark after May 9, the day I graduate from this precious place. I wish that I had enough trust in the Lord that I could sit back and intake the next several months the way that I do these sentimental Hallmark specials. Wouldn’t I live so much easier if I realized every day that the author of my story shares similar goals to the script writers of my favorite Hallmark movies? Though this comparison seems silly, it is actually reality. My God, the creator of the whole universe, stands fighting the enemy on my behalf. My future, one that includes the perfect ending of Heaven, is held in His unwavering hands. With this in mind, what is there in life to fear? Nothing! God’s got it, and all I need to do is sit back and enjoy the movie He’s creating.
Disney+ sees kick-off success BY CATHERINE LYP Staff Artist/Cartoonist
After about a year of anticipation, Walt Disney Company’s long awaited streaming service, Disney+, was finally released last Tuesday, November 12. Disney+ is a streaming service that showcases only Disney-owned content, including TV shows and movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. Over the last few years streaming services have risen in popularity with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and a multitude of other companies making their content more accessible. A streaming service from Disney is definitely something that Disney, Marvel or Star Wars fans will enjoy, but how does Disney+ compare to the quality of well-known streaming services? It is hard to ignore all of the anticipation and excitement with which avid Disney fans have been awaiting the official launch of this new streaming service. Anticipation aside, how impressive has the new streaming service actually been thus far? Disney+ is meeting expectations in terms of what they are offering for sure. Most of the consumer disappointment within the first few days of launching related to how Disney is offering this content: the format and features of the app for
the service. As a Disney fan, I know that Disney puts a lot of effort and care into their various services. While I was certain that I would enjoy the content within the app, the operation of the service and its capabilities was questionable. When a company branches out into a new form of media, there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way; Disney+ is no exception. Since Tuesday, I have noticed a few advantages and disadvantages of the first iteration of the Disney+ service. The app is set up with a similar format to Netflix and Hulu in that it has a home page with listed categories such as Disney Originals, Hit Movies and Trending. Also, just as Netflix, Disney+ allows a select few movies and tv shows to be downloaded by the user. While these are all positives, Disney+ also has a few things that are less enjoyable for users. For instance, rather than having the customer’s watchlist on the home page, it is hidden in the customer’s account page. I understand the logic of keeping all of the user’s information in one place, but as far as convenience goes, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. On the same topic, Disney+ does not have a recently watched section. If you would like to continue watching something, you have to remember what you were watching, know the specific episode and search for it in the app in order to
return to your previous spot. Another negative quality I noticed about the app is that it wasn’t equipped to have as much traffic as it did on the day of its release. There were over ten million subscribers on day one according to Variety, which resulted in the app not running as planned. Disney+ has since improved, but throughout the first day it was troubled by content not showing a play button, pages not loading and having the same four movies repeated on each home page list. As time goes on and the service is normalized these issues will get better, but for now they still pop up every once in a while. Apart from these few minor problems, the Disney+ service is absolutely fantastic. As far as content goes, Disney made sure to take what fans wanted to see into consideration. While a lot of their newer releases such as “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Maleficent” won’t be available until at least one to two years from now, there are hundreds of movies and tv shows available for streaming currently. One of my favorite things the service offers is old Disney tv shows, like “Goof Troop” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” Disney+ is full of nostalgia. Overall, while Disney+ has some minor issues that will be resolved over time, it is still a fantastic streaming service capable of competing with the likes of Netflix.
sports
PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Tigers take number two seed in GAC playoffs BY CAITY HATCHETT
Arts/Entertainment and Sports Editor
Senior wide receiver Allie Freeman catches a pass from sophomore quarterback Brayden Brazeal during the Battle of the Ravine game. The Tigers came back to win the game 24-21 and will proceed to the playoffs. (photo by Hannah Smith)
The Ouachita football team took home another undefeated season and the lead in the Battle of the Ravine rivalry on Saturday. Featured game of the week on ESPN3, the Tigers beat the Reddies 24-21, but the game was a battle from start to finish. A tough opponent, interceptions and intentional grounding made this a game to remember. The Reddies scored 14 points, behind an interception, pressure on Tiger quarterback Brayden Brazeal and a strong start offensively. They kept the score at 14-0 for most of the first half. The Tigers scored their first touchdown minutes before halftime on a Brazeal pass to Allie Freeman, putting the score at 14-7. Ouachita scored a touchdown after halftime to tie the game. Freshman kicker Gabe Goodman made a field goal to give the Tigers their first lead, 17-14, halfway through the third quarter. There were several scoreless drives and a few pen-
alties before the Reddies scored another touchdown. The score was 21-17 with a minute and a half left on the clock, and the Tigers had possession of the ball. The Tigers scored quickly with key Brazeal passes to Justin Dean and Keemontrae McKnight. With a 24-21 lead, the Tigers turned to their defense to stop the Reddies’ last chance. Trailing by three, Henderson had less than one minute to move into scoring position. With time slipping away and no time outs, Henderson completed a pass, but time continued to run as they lined up. Quarterback Richard Stemmetti took the snap and looked downfield before throwing the ball into the grounds. The refs called an intentional grounding penalty, which requires a ten-second runoff. With only two seconds on the clock, the game ended without another play. The victory gave Ouachita a 4443-6 advantage in the series and a 27-game conference winning streak. The Tigers secured the number two seed and will host Lindenwood University on November 23 in the first round of the playoffs.
Volleyball takes number seven seed in GAC tournament BY ASHLEY BECK Staff Writer
Ouachita’s volleyball team is heading to the Great American Conference Tournament on November 21. As the number seven seed, the Tigers had a challenging season, ending with a 9-7 conference record and a 14-13 overall record. Since September, the team has battled hard for a spot in the championship. The Lady Tigers began their
season with two pre-conference tournaments: the Henderson State University/Ouachita Baptist University Invite and the Alabama Huntsville Tournament. The team split their wins in both tournaments and returned home to begin conference play. The practice and hard work from its first two tournaments led the volleyball team to begin the season with a 3-1 win against Southern Arkansas University. In the Harding Invitational, the Tigers lost to Rockhurst University and Missouri S and T, but won
against Christian Brothers University. With three days to recover from two tough losses, Ouachita picked things right back up with a win against the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Two days later, the Tigers beat Harding University for the first time since the 2016 season, with a 3-2 victory over the Bisons. In October, the Tigers came a step closer to the GAC Championship. Filled with heartbreak and victories, each game was special in its own way. The team suffered losses against both Southern Naz-
arene University and Oklahoma Baptist University. The team came back the next weekend to defeat East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The next four games were tough losses to Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Henderson and Harding. The team ended its season with 3-2 victories against ATU, SAU and UAM. “I have multiple games that were my favorite this season and they were usually the 5-set victories,” senior Katie Camp said. “But I
would have to say senior night was my favorite.” On November 21, the Tigers will travel to Hot Springs for the tournament. Ouachita is the number seven seed and will play its first match against Northwestern Oklahoma State University. “Although the record may not reflect it, this has been one of my favorite seasons I’ve played at Ouachita,” Camp said. “We have bonded more than ever before. This season has been tough, but I’ve learned so many lessons along the way.”