DIVE! Reaching for the ball, Kelly Willingham, sophomore, dives for the hard hit spike. Onetta Gardner and Laura Jones watch the action to see what the next move should be. The Lady Bisons had the largest number of players, 13, in its six-year history. -Photo by Ken Bissell. Set/I/Jgtile scene 'We became one of the toughest teams in the conference as we took everyone to five games,' said Dempsey For the second consecutive year the team has reached the six-school National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes District 17 post season tournament. A season record of 21 - 23 was the second best the team has had in its short history. The squad's year was ended by top seated Ouachita Baptist University in the district tournament. Coach Karyl Bailey said he was pleased with his teams performance, despite its sixth place finish in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference standings. Bailey also said "we were so close to the top, but we lost some critical matches by very close scores." The play of five seniors was a positive factor for the team as they kept it within close distance all season. Although there was no one outstanding player, according to Stephanie Alsup, Bailey praised the squad's senior members. "All five have been great players for us. They've seen this program come 22 Playing for keeps from nowhere to a contender in the league," he said. "Everyone played well. We had lots of depth on the bench which helped in some crucial times," said Alsup. The squad's year ended in a match with top seated Ouachita Baptist University. "We played a good game; providing a challenge to OBU. Just think, we didn't lose the match until the fifth game," said Angela Mitchell. "OBU, like other teams, learned we are contenders and a hard team to beat in less than five matches," continued Mitchell. According to Bailey, not losing in less than five matches, was one of the teams goals. Onetta Gardner was the only team member to receive post season honors as she was selected to the 10-player All-NAIA District 17 squad. The coaches in the district selected the 10 players. -Don Strader AIM HIGH. Kelly Willingham, sophomore, serves the ball to the competition. The 13-member squad came back early from summer vacation to practice twice a day for two hours at a time. -Photo by Jim Shiefelbein.
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