By Dakota Barker
The OBU Bison women’s volleyball team is off to a blazing start this season, opening conference play with a perfect 5–0 record—good enough to sit atop the Great American Conference standings in a tie for first place. The Bison have shown impressive balance on both sides of the net, combining strong defensive play with a powerful offensive attack. Led by a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, OBU continues to build momentum as they look to extend their winning streak and make a statement in the conference race.
When asked about the reason behind the team’s hot start, head coach Anna Howle credited her players’ unity and work ethic.
“The key to starting so well is our team-first mindset,” Howle said. “The girls have been working hard for each other and have had great attitudes and commitment to the team.”
With their strong early-season start, the Bison have firmly established themselves as one of the top contenders in the Great American Conference. Their undefeated record has not only showcased their talent and teamwork but has also sent a clear message to the rest of the league that OBU is a force to be reckoned with.
When asked about how the team plans to build on its early success, head coach Anna Howle emphasized the importance of growth and resilience.
“The key to maintain will be our ability to keep improving and commitment to competition, wanting to fight hard to win. We need to be mentally strong and handle challenges with maturity!” Howle said.
Her focus on continual improvement and mental toughness reflects the culture she has built within the program—a culture that values effort, teamwork, and perseverance as much as victories. With conference play heating up, the Bison will look to carry this mindset into the heart of their schedule. If they continue to play with the same intensity and focus that has defined their early-season success, OBU could be poised for a deep run and a strong finish in the GAC standings.
The Bison have found both leadership and consistency in senior libero Karsyn Hunter, who continues to anchor the team’s defense. Hunter was recently named the GAC Defensive Player of the Week, a recognition that highlights her impact on the court. Through the first four weeks of the season, she leads the team with 259 total digs, showcasing her quick reflexes and defensive awareness. In addition to her back-row dominance, Hunter also ranks third on the team in assists with 31, demonstrating her versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas of play.
The Bison have also been able to rely on their talented freshmen to make an immediate impact. Madi Barnes, one of the team’s setters, has stepped in seamlessly, already ranking second on the team with 235 assists, helping to orchestrate the Bison’s offense and keep the team running smoothly.
Meanwhile, defensive specialist Ada Ingvardsen has become a reliable presence in the back row, sitting fourth on the team with 94 digs through the early weeks of the season. Their contributions highlight not only their individual skills but also the depth of the Bison roster. With Barnes setting up key plays and Ingvardsen providing consistent defensive support, these freshmen have quickly become integral pieces of the team’s early success, showing that OBU’s future is just as promising as its present.
