SEARCY, Ark. — Southern Nazarene battled one of the GAC's top teams on the road Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell 3-0 to Harding, who secured their fifth straight win.

The Crimson Storm (5-13,1-6 GAC) competed throughout, keeping pace early in each set, but struggled to sustain offensive rhythm against the Bisons' (15-3,6-1 GAC) efficient attack.

In the opening set, early kills from Georgia Byers helped SNU stay within reach, but a pivotal 7-0 Harding run created separation as the Bisons surged ahead 18-9. Harding carried that momentum to close out the set, 25-17.

The second frame featured SNU's strongest offensive stretch, as the Storm tallied 11 kills and traded points early. Kate Wright and Byers delivered timely swings to keep the deficit at just one, trailing 15-14 midway through. However, another late Harding run proved costly, as the Bisons closed on a 7-1 push to take the set, 25-16.

In the third, Harding jumped out to a 9-4 lead, but the Storm continued to fight behind kills from Riley Richardson and Isabella Labrada. Despite SNU's effort to stay within striking distance, Harding ignited a 7-2 run to pull ahead 23-13. The Storm powered down two final kills, but Harding sealed the match with a 25-15 victory.

Megan Branson and Emma Grace Moddelmog anchored the defense. Branson posted 12 digs, while Moddelmog added 11 digs and a team-high 13 assists. Offensively, Wright led SNU with 7 kills, followed by Byers with 5.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm return home to the Sawyer Center on Tuesday, October 14, to host Oklahoma Christian at 6:00 p.m. as they look to bounce back in GAC play.