SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist came out on top in the Battle of the Bison, taking a straight-set victory over Harding, 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-19), to kick off the weekend's homecoming action.
Malia Leatherland powered the Bison attack with a staggering 19 kills on just 33 attempts with just one error. Her kill total is tied for second all-time in program history for kills in a three-set match and matches the program's Division II-era record in the same category.
A quick start to the first set saw OBU jump out to an 11-4 lead following a kill by
Brenna Holley. The Bison kept Harding at arm's length the remainder of the set before finally putting it away, 25-18.
Though the Bison had to rally down after falling behind 10-5, OBU capitalized on three consecutive attacking errors by Harding to pull ahead, 18-17. Tied, 21-21, Leatherland and Holley linked up for three kills in quick succession to create some breathing room before Leatherland laid down the final point of the set for a 2-0 lead.
In the final set, OBU overcame a six-point run by Harding midway through the frame, eventually trailing 14-10.
Hayley Daniel triggered a four-point streak for OBU, earning a kill and service ace before Leatherland and
Audrey Poupard stuffed Harding's Ally Stoner at the net. Up 19-18, Leatherland kicked off a five-point run to bring about match point. Though Harding staved off defeat on the first attempt, Holley found a hole in the back corner of HU's defense to secure the sweep.
Leatherland led the way offensively, followed by Holley's 11 kills on 19 attempts.
Rylen Moore kept the offense humming, handing out 34 assists – a career-high in a three-set match.
Hayley Daniel had a team-high 15 digs.
Oklahoma Baptist (20-4, 19-1 GAC) are back in action inside Mabee Arena at the Noble Complex tomorrow at 12 PM as they close out the week against Arkansas Tech.
