PLAYING TO THE After overcoming struggles, the Lady Bisons finished the season in the GAC tournament championship. The 2017-18 season starred our as a nail-biter for the Harding women's basketball ream, but, against all odds, they reached the Grear American Conference (GAC) tournament championship for the fifth rime in seven years. The ream scarred with a dismal record of 8-12. However, they pulled ahead and finished with a winning record of 18-15. "Ir was hard scarring our behind especially when we had such high expectations," junior guard Amanda Kearney said. "I chink that it really made us come together and figure our how to win as a ream. Ir was awesome to finish the season so strong. We improved so much, and we are hoping to improve even more chis year." Junior guard Peyton Padgett, who was also on the team her freshman year, shared the sentiment. "As you can imagine, nor scarring our the season strong doesn't feel too great," Padgett said. "We knew char we had all the pieces to make it a great year and getting everyone on the same page was the only way we could turn it around. Everyone was very determined to make the most our of the season, and rhac's just what we did." Padgett said chat finishing the season strong felt like an accomplishment. She felt they demanded the win from themselves and each other, knowing all along they had the potential co pull ahead. They were all excited to see what the next season would bring. "I' m excited for chis season," Padgett said. "The [returning players] know what to expect and understand chat getting a late start isn't an option. I think last season's experience gives us a chip on our shoulders and some edge chat will gee us starred off on the right foot." Head Women's Basketball Coach Tim Kirby had high hopes for the 2018-19 team as well. After playing in five out of the seven GAC championship games, there was a strong desire to play on that level. "We weren't happy with our stare lase season," Kirby said. "Our freshmen did a great job learning as the season progressed. We have eight new girls and some young girls returning from last year. We want to gee better every day in rhe classroom, on the court, on the crack, in the weight room and spiritually. If that happens, then we have a chance to compete." story by Macy McClung juniorforward Kellie Lampo shoots over a Henderson State Reddie on Feb. 24, 2018, in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The Lady Bisons defeated Henderson State 64-62. \ photo by Sterling McMichael Senior guard Falan Miller drives past an Arkansas Tech Golden Sun on Jan. 15, 2018, in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The Lady Bisons fell to Arkansas Tech 77-64. \ photo by Sterling McMichael Alumna forward Sydney Layrock takes a layup over the Southern Arkansas University defense on Feb. 17, 2018, in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The Lady Bisons defeated Southern Arkansas University 63-54. \ photo by Sterling McMichael 241 \ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
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