SEARCY, ARK. – The East Central University volleyball team and Harding University meet in the battle of undefeated Great American Conference teams at Rhodes Field House, with the Lady Tigers falling 0-3 (18-25, 21-25, 25-19).

Box Score

ECU (6-7, 3-1 GAC) was led by sophomore Hayley Gerken, who tallied nine kills, four (1-3) blocks and two digs.  Senior Jessica Wilkinson earned her third double-double of the season with 15 assists and 11 digs.

"Both teams played really well tonight and it came down to a couple of plays in each set," said head coach Dave Thorn.  "The team is playing hard and now we just have to rebound and get ready to play tomorrow."

The opening set was tight at the start, with four tie scores.  The final tie came at 10-all, but the Bison then used a 6-1 run to take control of the set for good.  ECU made a come-back after the Bison's (13-5, 4-0 GAC) run, with a 4-0 run of their own that cut the disadvantage to two (15-17).  However it was not enough to overcome the deficit, as Harding went on to win 18-25.

The Bison took an early 1-6 lead in the second set.  The disadvantage was built up to six (7-13), when ECU used a 9-3 run to tie the set at 16.  Harding scored the next two points and kept at least a one-point advantage through the rest of the set and earned a 21-25 win.

After a close first 10 points in the third set, the Bison again used a 5-0 run to take control for good.  Harding kept the pressure up the rest of the match and went on to earn a 19-25 win.

The Bison earned a key advantage at the service line, recording five service aces to zero by the Lady Tigers. Harding also added 40 kills to ECU's 34.

The Lady Tigers will remain on the road to battle with Arkansas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. in Russellville, Ark.