JOPLIN, Mo. - A stifling Harding (Ark.) University defensive effort spoiled Midwestern State's season opener Friday afternoon at the Missouri Southern Invitational as the Bison came away with a 25-11, 25-19, 24-26, 25-17 decision at Young Gym.

Junior libero Emily Tate and sophomore setter led a pack of four players with double-digit digs with 17 each for Harding, who limited the Mustangs to a .073 attack percentage.

"We just looked inexperienced," MSU coach Venera Flores-Stafford said. "They will have to grow and learn from each other. Hopefully, we can overcome that quickly. We'll have to take what we learned from this and make some good things happen."

Sophomore outside hitter Hillary White and freshman setter Kimberly Jeffrey provided a lift for Midwestern after it dropped the opening two sets.

White put down five of her seven kills in the frame, while Jeffrey had 10 assists, a kill and a service to help MSU to a 26-24 win in the third set.

Harding placed three players in double-digit kills led by Manueal Nesheva with 20, while Sarah Phipps and Alex Smith had 12 and 10, respectively.

Senior middle blocker Sesley Graves and sophomore outside hitter Miranda Byrd recorded nine kills apiece to pace the Mustangs, while sophomore libero Kiara Jordan produced 14 digs to lead the back row effort.

Junior middle blocker Lauren Bayer was on four of MSU's seven blocks, while Graves added three total blocks.

Midwestern continues tournament play with a 4 p.m. showdown with host Missouri Southern at Young Gym.