Arkansas Tech moved into sole possession of first place in the Gulf South Conference West Division volleyball standings by posting a dominating 25-23, 25-13, 25-14 victory over the Harding Lady Bisons at Rhodes Field House in Searcy on Thursday night.
The Golden Suns (23-4 overall, 8-1 GSC) held Harding to a .119 hitting percentage (34 kills, 19 attack errors, 126 total attempts) as they posted their fifth consecutive win.
It was only Arkansas Tech’s second win against Harding in Searcy since 2002. The only other time that the Suns beat the Lady Bisons at Rhodes Field House in their last eight trips was in 2008, when Arkansas Tech went on to win the GSC West title.
The Suns are now one-half match in front of Christian Brothers (14-10, 7-1) in the GSC West. The Lady Buccaneers will have a chance to pull even on Saturday when they host Southern Arkansas at Canale Arena in Memphis, Tenn.
Sarah Von Lienen led Tech on Thursday with 12 kills and three blocks. Laura Farney and Kelly O’Malley had nine kills apiece. Farney added 16 digs.
Brennae Benda (20 digs) and Thabata Galvao (10 digs) also made big contributions to the Suns’ defense. Marcela Mascarenhas notched seven digs and three service aces for Tech.
Mollie Arnold had nine kills and six digs for Harding (12-9, 6-2).
The Golden Suns will step out of GSC play to host Bacone College for a 5:30 p.m. match on Friday, Oct. 22. Admission to Tucker Coliseum will be free.
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