ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Reddies welcomed the Harding Bisons to the Duke Wells Center tonight and defeated the No. 1 team in the GAC in stunning fashion, securing a 3-2 win.
The Reddies offense was led by
Kelis Battles tonight, who collected 15 kills, while
Karsen Hart trailed right behind with 14.
Tyhia Mack provided 27 assists on the day, while
Alyssa Lindeman followed with 11. Behind the net,
Kaylon Partain was dominant, recording a season-high 43 digs, while Battles secured another double-double with 23 digs. Sophomore
Berkeley Berry contributed 19 digs as well.
Cassidi Campbell continues to be strong at the net, as she led the Reddies with nine of the 13 total blocks they had tonight.
Melia Smith was solid as well, providing six blocks.
Match Recap
The Reddies fell behind early in the opening set as Harding established control at the service line and turned a 3-3 tie into a 7-3 advantage. Henderson State responded with a three-point run to pull within 7-4, but the Bisons continued to build their lead. Harding stretched the margin to 12-5 before Henderson State answered with three straight points, including a pair of Harding attack errors and a service ace from Hart. The Reddies could not complete the comeback, however, as Harding closed the set 25-15.
Henderson State answered immediately in the second set. The teams remained within a few points of each other throughout, with neither side able to establish a significant advantage. The Reddies eventually pulled ahead 20-17, but Harding continued to battle and tied the set at 20. Henderson State regained the lead late and held off the Bisons' final push. With the score 24-23, the Reddies finished the set on a kill by
Melia Smith to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set again featured a back-and-forth start before Harding began to create separation. Henderson State held a 7-5 lead early, but the Bisons answered with a run to take control. Harding moved ahead 12-9 and later extended the advantage to 18-13. The Reddies continued to fight, cutting the deficit to four at 19-15, but Harding maintained its lead and eventually took the set 25-19 to move within one set of the victory.
Henderson State responded with its strongest stretch of the night in the fourth set. After the teams were tied 5-5, the Reddies erupted for seven consecutive points to take a 12-5 lead. Henderson State continued to apply pressure, extending the advantage to 17-7. Harding managed to slow the run and cut the deficit to 18-10, but the Reddies quickly regained momentum. Henderson State closed out the set 25-14, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The deciding set was a battle from the opening point. Henderson State and Harding traded points throughout the early stages, with the score tied 9-9. The Bisons then grabbed a 12-10 lead, putting Henderson State on the brink. The Reddies refused to let the match slip away, answering with a run to pull even at 12-12.
Henderson State took its first lead of the late stages at 13-12 following a
Berkeley Berry service ace, but Harding answered to tie the set. The teams continued exchanging points until the score reached 15-15. Henderson State then secured the final two points to complete the comeback, winning the fifth set 17-15 and the match 3-2.
Up Next -
The Reddies go on the road to Monticello to face the UAM Cotton Blossoms on Tuesday September 22nd. The match is set to begin at 6:00 P.M in the Steelman Fieldhouse.
