Lady Bisons make history by winning game at Nationals The LadyBisons hit the courts this season with a pre-season ranking of 15th in the NAIA national polls and worked their way to No. 3 by season's end, ensuring a postseason spot in the National Tournament. They finished the regular season with an incredible 25-2 record and made Harding's first-ever appearance in the second round of the National Tournament. The Lady Bisons lost to Rollins during a Christmas break tournament in Florida for their only loss until the last game of the season against Lyon. They lost their first game of the Regionals in the Ft. Worth to Midwestern State University. In first round play in the National Tournament, they beat Claflin College 66-64, but fell to Southwestern Oklahoma State in the second round 56-57. The team found its strength in the leadership of seniors Angie (Fouts) Dugger and Bridget Benson. "These two ladies have done it all for four years. They are our leading scorers and our leading rebounders," Coach Greg Harnden said. Underclassmen depended on the senior duo for encouragement. "Bridget helps our team in ways nobody notices," sophomore forward Susan Reiss said. "Both she and Angie led us by example so that we might be as helpful [to other players] as they have been." Dugger, who played post and earned Harding's first two appearances on first team All-America (1996 and 1997), was excited about the team's success this year. "This has definitely been the best season for our team. When Bridget and I came onto the team four years ago, it was just Senior Bridget Benson dribbles down the court, cutting through the defense. Benson set the school record for career steals. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Evangel C. Methodist SAU CBU WBU Mississippi U. JBU MBU Ozarks 84-64 91-80 73-57 66-53 76-40 86-77 77-59 87-54 89-71 developing. Now, we are getting national attention that is good for Harding." Harnden was impressed by the team's closeness. "By far, this is the best team I have ever coached in terms of chemistry. The players' unselfishness has enhanced our success," he said. Players expressed the contribution of the team's diversity to their success. From freshman starter Rachel Raglin to the seasoned Dugger and Benson, the Lady Bisons worked to be a superior team. "We are all role players for the team," junior guard Mandy Cox said. As the team fought its way to national recognition, players credited much of their success to crowd enthusiasm and support. "The crowd support has been great and we appreciate all of the school's enthusiasm," sophomore point guard Emily Prysock said. Players and coaches deemed the victories over Florida Tech and Ouachita Baptist the sweetest of the regular season. "The game against Florida Tech was a real challenge for us, kind oflike a test of our ability. It definitely helped us in our ranking and our confidence in ourselves," Benson said. "We won the game by 9 points and beat an undefeated, nationally ranked team." Going into the final stretch ofthe season, the Lady Bisons kept their educational pursuit in perspective. "Our games are fun , and there really is not a lot of pressure," sophomore forward Stephanie Barron said. "Coach Harnden encourages us to experience every aspect of college; he sees us as people, not just as basketball players. After all, it is just a game." - Kathryn George St. Ambrose 65-60 Ambassador 100-42 CBU 75-51 UAM 72-53 UCA 71-64 OBU 72-61 Florida Tech. 77-68 SAU 79-56 Rollins 53-71 UAM 79-62 Eckerd 78-53 OBU 82-78 LSU W crorfeit ) NE State 78-68 Lyon 79-61 Cameron 90-75 NE State 92-71 Lyon 59-62 Women's Basketball 273
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