Love At First Spike The Lady Bisons volleyball team reflects on their season. TEAM UP During a match, the lady Bisons gather together to encourage each other. The team grew closer together during their preseason trip to Puerto Rico. Photo by Abigail Callicoat 229 Volleynall “It is not a big gym compared to others,” Wiedower said. “It makes it feel like there are more people in there. We love to feed off the fans’ energy.” The Lady Bisons entered the 2024 GAC tournament as the no. 2 seed. Following victories against Northwestern Oklahoma State University and East Central University, the Lady Bisons advanced to their second tournament final in three seasons. Harding fell to Ouachita Baptist University in three sets to end their conference tournament run. Following the championship match, senior libero Tatum Fouche and senior middle blocker Delaney Garner were named to the GAC all-tournament team. Multiple Lady Bisons received awards for their contributions throughout the GAC regular season. Six members of the Harding volleyball team received All-GAC honors. Most notably, fifth year senior outside hitter Skyler McKinnon was named to the conference first team. This was the second time in program history that Harding placed six players in All-Conference awards. Lambert said the team was grateful for the constant encouragement received throughout the 2024 season. “The support really means a lot,” Lambert said. “When everybody shows up to the Rhodes, it really creates a great home atmosphere.” Written by Nic Fraraccio The Harding women’s volleyball team continued to build their historic program throughout the 2024 season. The Lady Bisons finished the season with a 22-9 record, including a 13-3 Great American Conference (GAC) record. The Lady Bisons grew together long before the start of the new season. The team traveled to Puerto Rico during preseason tryouts for exhibition matches and practices. Freshman setter Carter Fouche said the trip was a quick way for the team to grow together. “It was a really nice start considering many of us are new,” Fouche said. “It was just great for us to get closer before preseason started.” Junior middle blocker Jacey Lambert said the team found ways to mold together throughout the season. “We have grown by adapting to each other,” Lambert said. “On the court, we have done a really good job of finding fit and comfort between all of us.” As the season began, the Lady Bisons made it apparent that their home was a fortress amongst other GAC teams. At the Rhodes-Reaves Field House, the Lady Bisons boasted a 32-4 record in the last four seasons. This season, Harding displayed a 6-1 home record en route to second place in the GAC regular season standings. Sophomore setter Olivia Wiedower said the RhodesReaves Field House was a comfortable place to play for the Lady Bisons.
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