LEBANON, Ill. — The Harding University Bisons dealt the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad its first defeat of the 2026 season at the McKendree Invitational at the Melvin Price Convocation Center Saturday.
Harding improved to 4-0, while Northwest dropped to 3-1.
Northwest Missouri State opened the first set with a strong start, capitalizing on a kill by
Jada Smith assisted by
Mya Karrick to take the initial point.
Gabrielle Gartner added two more kills early in the set, maintaining a close contest with Harding. However, after a service error and subsequent points by Harding, the Bearcats found themselves trailing.
Despite efforts from
Abby Bulthuis and
Chloee Hayes, who each contributed a kill, Harding gained momentum with a series of service aces and effective plays, leading to a significant scoring run. The set closed with the Bearcats unable to regain the lead, finishing with a score of 25-11 in favor of Harding.
In the second set, Harding built an early lead, capitalizing on a series of points to go up 3-0. Northwest responded with key plays, including a kill by
Abby Bulthuis and a service ace from
Elle Heckenlively, narrowing the gap to 9-6. Despite the push, Harding regained momentum, extending its lead to 14-6.
The Bearcats mounted a comeback, fueled by a series of errors from Harding and a service ace by
Mya Karrick, closing the score to 14-13. The team continued to press, with kills by
Gabrielle Gartner and
Elle Heckenlively tying the game at 20. However, Harding finished strong, taking the set 25-20 after a sequence of Bearcat errors.
Northwest began the third set by capitalizing on an attack error to gain an early point. After Harding briefly took the lead,
Gabrielle Gartner and
Abby Bulthuis responded with key kills, tying the score at 3-3. The visitors continued to pressure Harding, with
Mya Karrick delivering a service ace that pushed the Bearcats ahead 11-9.
The teams traded points in a tightly contested mid-set, but a crucial kill by
Chloee Hayes kept the score level at 12-12. A pivotal service ace by
Ellery Luhring sparked a momentum shift, as the Bearcats embarked on a 6-0 run, extending their lead to 22-17 with contributions from Bulthuis and a combination block by Hayes and Bulthuis.
In the closing stages,
Abby Bulthuis secured the final point with a decisive kill, wrapping up the set with a 25-19 victory for the Bearcats. This win in the third set secured the match, highlighting a strong finish.
Northwest started the fourth set with momentum, taking an early 4-1 lead, highlighted by kills from
Elle Heckenlively and a block from
Chloee Hayes. The visiting team maintained its advantage through effective plays, with
Gabrielle Gartner and
Maddie Roenfeld contributing key points to keep the pressure on Harding. However, Harding responded with a series of points to level the score at 10.
Despite a strong effort from the Bearcats, including multiple successful attacks from Heckenlively and Roenfeld, the home team managed to pull ahead. Harding capitalized on a few errors from the visiting team and took a 14-12 lead. Northwest continued to challenge, briefly reclaiming the lead at 17-15, but Harding tied it again and eventually moved ahead 19-18.
In the closing stages, Northwest attempted to rally with kills from
Abby Bulthuis and
Gabrielle Gartner. However, Harding maintained composure, securing the final points to close the set at 25-22, sealing its victory.
Mya Karrick delivered 37 assists and contributed two service aces, orchestrating the offense effectively.
Abby Bulthuis led the attack with 11 kills and added three blocks, showcasing her presence at the net.
Ellery Luhring contributed defensively with 19 digs, providing stability in the back row.
Elle Heckenlively made an impact with 10 kills and two service aces, finishing with a hitting percentage of .320.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Southwest Minnesota State at the MWSU Fieldhouse Friday, Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. CT in St. Joseph, Mo.
