Pioneers Conclude 2025 Harding University Classic

Pioneers Conclude 2025 Harding University Classic- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 9/20/25

UAFS- 3

CRC- 1

Sets: 11-25 UAFS, 26-24 CRC, 9-25 UAFS, and 16-25 UAFS

Searcy, Ark. - In today's opening contest, the Lions of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith defeated the Pioneers in four sets, with the Pioneers only managing to win set two in extra frames with a set score of 26-24. UAFS' powerful offensive attacks and service aces helped them control the other frames, defeating the Pioners by double-digit spreads in two of the three remaining sets. 

Juniors Shania Hodges and Amiyah Saxton led the offensive push with both ladies totaling 9 kills in the contest. Three Pioneers collected double-figure digs, with Alyssa Dirden and Jillian Glasgow leading the team with 11. Junior Mallory Hollis rounded off the trio with her 10 digs recorded. Glasgow also led the team in assists with 13, which gives the Paragould native a consecutive double-double. Lastly, Maddie Burris ended one shy of the double-digit mark with 9 assists in the non-conference defeat. 

Game 2

Harding University- 3

Crowley's Ridge College-2

Sets: 22-25 HU, 25-23 CRC, 13-25 HU, 25-21 CRC, and 8-15 HU

Searcy, Ark.- For the second time this weekend, the Pioneers would go the distance with their NCAA DII opponent, forcing a showdown in a make-or-break fifth set to determine the victor; and despairingly for the second time this weekend, the Pioneers would fall just short of the finish line, with the Bisons defeating CRC 15-8 in set five in today's conclusion matchup. 

Crowley's Ridge stood firm on the court this weekend, proving that the team can play with anyone through its team's determination and resilience on the floor. In their matchup against HU, the Pioneers would claim the second and fourth sets, bouncing back after set losses to the Bisons. In CRC's set two win, the Pioneers snuck out the win with a two-point split as junior Jillian Glasgow ended the frame for CRC with one of her seven service aces of the contest. In set four, CRC stayed alive by regrouping and pulling out a must-have win with a 4-point victory of 25-21 over the Bisons to fend off HU, but painfully would see the hosting team pull away and claim the contest in the final set. 

Junior Shania Hodges led the offense with 12 kills, followed by fellow junior Amiyah Saxton with 10 kills. Defensively, junior Mallory Hollis led the team with the DS, collecting 20 digs in the five-set game. Sophomore Alyssa Dirden finished behind Hollis with 15 digs for the contest. Jillian Glasgow and Maddie Burris teamed up for the assist leaders with Glasgow shoveling out 24 and Burris 15 in the contest. 

Up Next: The Pioneers will stay on the road but return to American Midwest Conference action with matchups against UHSP and Harris-Stowe this coming Friday, September 26th, in St. Louis, MO. #GOPIONEERS