ADA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team wrapped up their weekend with a highly anticipated match against Harding University, vying for the top spot in GAC standings. Unfortunately, though, they fell in straight sets (21-25, 13-25, 22-25) on Saturday afternoon, marking their first home loss of the 2024 season.
 
Both the Lady Bisons and Tigers entered the match with identical conference records of 5-1. However, with the defeat, ECU's record drops to 5-2, while Harding improves to 6-1.
 
The Tigers struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum as the Lady Bisons capitalized on ECU miscues and maintained pressure throughout the match.
 
ECU and Harding were neck and neck in set one, with the Tigers trailing narrowly at 22-21 before three consecutive points by the Lady Bisons secured the 25-21 win. In the second set, Harding seized control, clinching a decisive 25-13 victory to take the 2-0 lead.
 
Although the Tigers picked up their intensity in the third set, racing out to an 8-2 advantage, the Lady Bisons steadily chipped away at the deficit, eventually knotting the score 10-all. The teams exchanged leads, and while ECU had opportunities to take the final lead, Harding completed the sweep with a 25-22 win.
 
Emma Strickland led the offense with a double-double performance, recording 14 kills and 10 digs. Odalys Gonzalez was next with 10 kills, while Ashleigh Miller contributed nine kills and a team-high hitting percentage of .333. Julia Kabala dished out 33 assists and notched 11 digs for a double-double as well, while Valentina Tijerina led the back row with 15 digs.
 
The ECU volleyball team will hit the road next week for GAC matchups against Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University on Oct. 17 and 18, respectively.