ADA – The East Central University volleyball team fell 1-3 (23-25, 10-25, 25-17, 22-25) to Harding in Great American Conference action at the Kerr Activities Center.
Photo GalleryThe Tigers (3-14, 0-7 GAC) were led by senior
Hayley Gerken, who tallied 11 kills, two service aces, four digs and 10 block assists. Gerken's blocking numbers set the ECU career blocking records for both total blocks and block assists. She now has 310 career total blocks and 265 career block assists.
Sophomore
Madyson Gill added nine kills and 10 digs, while sophomore
Taylor Turner earned a double-double, with 34 assists and 10 digs.
The opening set was a back-and-forth battle throughout, with nine tie scores and six lead changes. The set was determined in the final push, with the teams tied at 20. That is when the Bisons (10-10, 5-2 GAC) put together a 4-0 run to take a 20-24 advantage. The Tigers fought off three set points before a block by Harding gave them the 23-25 win.
The second set was all Bisons, as they jumped out to a 3-11 early advantage. Harding kept the pressure on all set and earned the 10-25 win.
ECU came back from the break with new energy and took an early 4-1 lead and never let the advantage drop below two the rest of the set on the way to a 25-17 win.
The Tigers kept up the pressure in the fourth set at the beginning, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. However, the Bisons fought back and got within two (7-5). Harding kept pushing and eventually forced at tie at 13. The teams traded points for the next six serves for a 16-all tie. The Bisons then used a 2-0 run to take the needed advantage. The teams traded serves through the rest of the set, but the lead was enough for Harding to take the 22-25 win.
ECU will now get ready to hit the road next week for two matches in Arkadelphia, Ark. The Tigers will first battle with Ouachita Baptist, Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. and then Henderson State, Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
