Complete Release

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Harding volleyball team was chosen by the Gulf South Conference West Division coaches to finish first in the West Division according to a release by the conference office Wednesday. Two Lady Bisons also received Preseason All-GSC honors; senior Emily Tate and junior Alex Smith. It is the first time either of them has received the award.

The Lady Bisons, who won the GSC West Division and finished with a 28-7 overall record last season, received four first-place votes and two second-place votes. Harding has only given up the top spot once in the last eight years and it was to Arkansas Tech who is picked to finish second this season. The Golden Suns received three first-place votes and three second-place votes.

Tate, a defensive specialist from Sachse, Texas, led the Lady Bisons in digs per set (4.69) and aces (63) last season and went on to receive 1st Team All-GSC honors.

Smith, a middle blocker from Carmel, Ind., averaged 1.67 kills per set and led the team with 61 blocks.

The Lady Bisons also had two players named as top newcomers in the GSC; freshmen Mollie Arnold and Alyssa Short.

Arnold, a 5-11 outside hitter from Jonesboro, Ark., was a three-time Arkansas Class 4A All-State honoree. She also led Westside High School to a state championship her senior season.

Short, a 6-1 middle blocker from The Woodlands, Texas, received first team All-District honors at Oak Ridge High School last season.

West Florida, the GSC East Division Champions last season, was picked unanimously to repeat this season in the East.

Three teams received votes to be the overall GSC champion. West Florida received the most with 11 votes while Harding and North Alabama each received one vote. 

On Sept. 3, Harding opens the 2010 campaign in Denton, Texas, to participate in the Texas Woman's Tournament. The Lady Bisons will take on East Stroudsburg at 2 p.m.