Lady Bisons outlast Oklahoma Baptist in thrilling 5-setter

SHAWNEE, Okla. – Olivia Wiedowers Clutch Kill capped a thrilling 3-2 win for Harding over Oklahoma Baptist in a Great American Conference volleyball match Friday at Noble Complex.

The Lady Bisons (16-7, 9-2 GAC) rallied from a 2-1 deficit to win the final two sets 25-19 and 15-13. Wiedower’s winning goal was her second win of the match and secured Harding second place in the conference.

Jacie Lambert led Harding with 15 kills, one shy of her season high. Skyler McKinnon Added 13 kills, Delaney Garner contributed 12, and Ashley Lamkin came on at 11.

Wiedower orchestrated the offense with 52 assists, her fifth game with 50 or more assists this season. Tatum Fouche the defense stepped in with 25 attacks while Maegan Lacy had 18 digs and matched Mattie Burrough with a team-high three aces.

Lamkin also made his presence felt at the net, recording two blocks and five block assists.

Oklahoma Baptist (14-10, 7-4 GAC) saw its six-game winning streak end. Harding took a 7-6 series lead and posted consecutive wins for the first time in Shawnee.

Harding remains one game behind conference leader Southwestern Oklahoma.

The Lady Bisons improved to 2-2 in five-set matches this season.

Set summaries:

Set 1: Harding wins 25-20
Harding won the first set 25-20, overcoming Oklahoma Baptist’s strong start. The Lady Bisons trailed 14-10 but rallied with a 9-2 run, fueled by key kills from Skyler McKinnon And Ashley Lamkin. Oklahoma Baptist committed 11 attack errors as Harding’s balanced offense and strong blocking secured the win.

Set 2: Oklahoma Baptist wins 25-17
Oklahoma Baptist dominated the second set 25-17, led by Jill Leslie’s impressive performance. The Bison took an early 8-4 lead and never looked back, with Emily Boyer effectively distributing to her teammates.

Set 3: Oklahoma Baptist wins 25-19
Oklahoma Baptist maintained its momentum in the third set, winning 25-19. The Bison took a 5-1 lead and held off Harding’s late push, led by Unruh Rylee’s strong play.

Set 4: Harding wins 25-19
Harding forced a deciding fifth set with a 25-19 victory in the fourth. The Lady Bisons trailed 10-6 but rallied with an 11-3 run sparked by Jacey Lamberts Clutch kills and Maegan Lacys solid blocking.

Set 5: Harding wins 15-13
In a thrilling final, Harding won the decisive fifth set 15:13. Oklahoma Baptist took a 3-0 lead, but Harding rallied, fueled by that Skyler McKinnon’s crucial kills and Olivia Wiedowers strong attitude. The Lady Bisons overcame three draws and ultimately secured the win with back-to-back kills from McKinnon and Wiedower.