Lady Bisons volleyball preps for conference play

by Tori Sheets class writer

The Lady Bisons volleyball team returned from matches in Alabama with a record of 5-4. The Lady Bisons defeated Union University 3-1 on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The team then traveled to Florence, Ala., for the University of North Alabama tournament on Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14. On Friday, the ladies defeated Christian Brothers University 3-2, and the University of Missouri 3-1. On Saturday, they secured a 3-0 win over Missouri University of Science and Technology and were defeated by Northwood University 3-2.

Junior Marindia Turner set a school record with five service aces in a four set match Tuesday against Union. Junior Taryn Eubank also set a record with five aces in a three set match against Missouri S&T.

The Lady Bisons also played in Cal State San Bernardino’s volleyball tournament on Sept. 6 and 7, leaving the tournament with one win and three losses. According to head volleyball coach Meredith Fear, the Alabama and California tournaments were lineups against strong teams to get the girls ready for upcoming games.

“I purposefully scheduled tough pre-conference tournaments because I believe this team has a lot of potential,” Fear said. “We have seen some great competition in our first nine games and we are learning a lot in preparation for conference play.”

According to Fear, traveling to games strengthens the team’s skill as well as the friendships between the girls. Eubank said she agrees and those friendships are now strong bonds.

“One of the great things about Harding volleyball is that we get along on and off the court,” Eubank said. “We truly are a family and are there for one another if anyone ever needs it.” have a great day.

According to Eubank, the biggest encouragement comes from fans filling the stands and cheering the team on at games.

“It is the most exciting thing to know we get to show off all of our hard work in front of a packed gym,” Eubank said.

The Lady Bisons defeated Henderson State at home on Sept. 17. The team will participate in the Arkansas-Fort Smith Tournament on Sept. 20 and 21.

The Bisons threw for a total of 238 passing yards, the most since they adopted the run-happy triple option.

Harding gave up 167 total yards of offense, forcing nine punts and two turnovers.

“Our mindset was to dominate the offense and get the nasty taste out of our mouths from last week,” senior defensive end Daniel Riley said.

The Bisons played tough defense as they got their first recorded shutout since joining the GAC last season.

“This victory gives us more confidence, and helps us regain some composure from week one,”Moore said.

“We are going to build off this win by looking at what we did right and what we did wrong, then continue to strive for perfection.”

Harding heads into week three sitting at 1-1.

The Bisons’ next game is against Southern Nazarene University on Sept. 28 at home, where they anticipate Kellett’s return.

- Bison football scored on their first seven possessions in their game against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

- Bison football had 692 yards of offense against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

- Lady Bison soccer had 22 shots on goal during their overtime win against Hendrix College.

- Soccer: Junior Ian Park had his first career multi-goal game with two goals scored against Ouachita Baptist.

- Soccer: Senior Will Lynn had four saves in his first start of the season.

- Golf: Senior Lucas Collins shot three-under 213 during the GAC Preview, which tied him for the second-best 54-hole performance by a Bison.

- Cross-Country: Junior Ewa Zaborowska dominated at the Gulf Coast Stampede. She beat the field by 24 seconds.

- Cross-Country: Senior Andrew Evans earned his first individual career victory with a time of 25:54:9.

- Volleyball: Senior Mollie Arnold had 20 kills against Henderson State.

- Volleyball: Senior Lisa Copeland had 20 digs against Henderson State.

September 20, 2013