Box Score Joplin, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist University volleyball team lost a tough match against Harding on Friday afternoon at the MSSU Invite. The Bearcats and Bison went back-and-forth throughout all five sets, but SBU fell just short.

After dropping the first set 25-21, but came back to take set two 25-23 before falling in set three 27-25. Once again the Bearcats responded in the fourth set, winning 25-23, but fell in the deciding set 15-12.

Jordan Nedbalek had an outstanding day for the Bearcats, picking up a 17 kills while hitting .467 while also picking up 11 block assists. Nikki Madoch was once again in double figures in kills with 11, joined by Mackynzi Gibson who also had 11 kills. SBU had three players with 20 digs or more (Hannah Blount 28, McKinley Chesley 25, and Taryn Marton 20) while Kelsey Fankhauser picked up 43 assists in the loss.

The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, October 12 for the final day of the tournament. SBU is scheduled to take on South Datoka School of Mines & Technology at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. match against East Central.