RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – In the three seasons since the founding of the Great American Conference, the top two volleyball programs in the league have unquestionably belonged to Harding and Arkansas Tech.

"Any time we play Harding, it is going to be an intense match," said Golden Suns head coach Kristy Bayer. "We have had a great rivalry with them since I have been at Tech."

In each of the first three conference tournaments, the two programs have advanced to the title match, and on Tuesday, the two teams will square off in their first matchup since the Golden Suns stunned Harding to win the GAC Championship last season.

While the rivalry predates the Great American Conference, the rivalry has certainly escalated quickly since the league's inception.

 "It is easy to get up for a match like this," said Bayer. "We will have to focus on cutting down on our errors. Harding is a team that doesn't make a lot of mistakes."
 
Much has changed since the two teams last met. The Lady Bisons will be without two-time Great American Conference Player of the Year and All-America selection Mollie Arnold, who graduated after last season.

However, the departure of Arnold has opened up avenues for other Lady Bisons players to emerge.
 
"Although they lost a major part of their offense with the graduation of Mollie Arnold, many of their other players have shined offensively this season," said Bayer. "They have more of a balanced attack. Our blocking is going to have to step up tomorrow. Every rally is going to be a battle."

First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. Admission is free to the public as the Golden Suns host "Pack the Stands" night. Last season, Arkansas Tech welcomed a crowd of 1,235 fans to see the Golden Suns face Harding, the largest home crowd in program history.

"We are excited to play in front of a packed house tomorrow," said Bayer. "I encourage all of our students and fans to come out to Tucker Coliseum. It will be an exciting match with a lot riding on the outcome."