SEARCY, Ark. – The Southeastern volleyball team faces a tall order this afternoon: They must bring down the undefeated, top-seeded host team to advance in the conference tournament.

When the Savage Storm last saw Harding University in September, the Bisons dispatched Southeastern in three quick sets. SOSU volleyball Coach Jenn King sees a different Storm team playing today.

“There are a lot of things we are doing different now,” she said. “The mistakes we made in that first match, we aren’t making those now. We are doing a couple of things different that gives us the opportunity to surprise some people.”

King has changed the lineup for recent late-season games, which resulted in a better winning percentage and stronger defense. Megan Kunkel is a big part of that, as well as other front-line defenders like Jasmine Everage, Ariel Sanders and Natasha Smith.

Sophomore Madelynne Cera is emerging as a team leader, evidenced by a pair of triple-doubles in kills, digs and assists this season.

“There are not a lot of people in the country who can say that,” King said of Cera’s feat. “She’s trying to be more dynamic in her offense and in the rotation.”

The Savage Storm may have squeaked into the tournament with a 3-14 Great American Conference record, but at 5 p.m. today, a whole new season begins.