North Alabama used a strong offensive performance and good execution at the end of games for a 3-0 win over Harding in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional in Kirksville. The Lions won by scores of 30-22, 30-24 and 30-27.
North Alabama hit .348 in the match, compared to a .149 mark for the Lady Bison. The Lions scored the final eight points of game one to break a tie and get the win and scored the final six points of the second game. In the third game, Harding led most of the way, but North Alabama finished the game on a 18-8 run, including a 5-0 run to end the game.
Yana Ninova led the way for the Lions with 25 kills and a .632 hitting percentage. Vanessa Ferretti was also in double-figure kills with 17. Ashley Moffitt had a team-high 51 assists and Amy Moffitt led the team with 17 digs. Te'Jaye Redd had a hand in eight of the Lions' 10 blocks.
Harding was led by Shaila Farley with 12 kills and Kate Kennedy and Veronica Piech each added 11. Lydia Kelly had 35 assists and Farley had a team-high 19 digs. Leanne Lackey was the team leader with four blocks.
North Alabama advanced to face top-seed Truman in the regional semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Harding ends the season with a record of 30-9.