SHAWNEE, Okla. – The Reddies faced off against No. 2 seed Harding in the first round of the GAC Championships, ultimately falling in three sets, 3-0.

Henderson State's offense was led by Offensive Player of the Year Katilyn Steffes, who recorded eight kills, while Kelis Battles added on seven. Braxton Jones led the team with 14 assists and Skylar Holler followed, providing four assists. On the defensive side, Defensive Player of the Year Kaylon Partain led the team with 20 digs, while Steffes followed with 12. At the net, Cassidi Campbell and Rylee Smith both provided a team leading two blocks while Steffes, Battles and Savannah Coats each recorded one.

Match Recap
The Bisons started off hot, using a 5-0 run to take an early lead. Harding extended the lead to 12-2, before the Reddies could mount a rally. The Reddies were able to narrow the lead to 24-12, but Harding ultimately won the first set 25-12.

Henderson State struck first in the second set, holding an early lead. The Bisons struck back, eventually taking the lead, but the Reddies continued to fight, keeping the set tied, before a 3-0 run gave the Reddies a 7-5 lead. The Bisons took the lead, 12-11, and though the Reddies tied it several times, they couldn't pull ahead, and Harding won the second set 25-20.

The third set began with a flurry of points from both sides, until Harding took a brief lead. A 3-0 run by Reddies briefly gave them the lead, but Harding struck back and recaptured the lead 9-6. The Bisons never sacrificed the lead the rest of the way, as they won the set and match 25-19.