Edward Waters University women’s volleyball lost to Benedict College 3-2 in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match Saturday at the Adams-Jenkins Complex in Jacksonville, Florida. Benedict College won 12-25, 17-25, 25-23, 26-24 and 15-9 after Edward Waters University claimed the first two sets. The loss snapped Edward Waters University’s seven-match SIAC winning streak and moved the team to 8-8 overall and 7-4 in conference play.
Edward Waters University Takes Early Control
Edward Waters University controlled the opening set with 15 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. The team pulled away for a 25-12 victory before collecting 13 kills in the second set. Edward Waters University won the second set 25-17 while holding Benedict College to a negative .024 hitting percentage.
Benedict College began its comeback in the third set with a 25-23 win. The fourth set remained close, but Benedict College edged Edward Waters University 26-24 to force the deciding set. Benedict College then hit .471 with 10 kills and two attacking errors in the fifth set, winning 15-9.
Aquino Leads Edward Waters University
Heylianis Aquino led Edward Waters University with a match-high 20 kills and 14 digs. She also recorded one service ace, two assists and 21 points for a double-double. Norah Laurore and Brooklyn Jones each added 12 kills, with Laurore contributing five total blocks and Jones recording nine digs.
Jewel Helmuth finished with nine kills while hitting .318. She added four total blocks, two service aces and four digs, while Zakiyyah Abdul recorded six kills and four total blocks. Freshman setter Naraiya Thompson directed the offense with 49 assists and added 13 digs and three service aces for a double-double.
Ayanna Blocker recorded 11 digs, and Autumn James added 10 digs. Senior libero Dimaliz Figueroa finished with eight digs, four assists and one service ace after recently surpassing 500 career digs. Edward Waters University totaled 61 kills, 57 assists, 72 digs, eight service aces and 15 total blocks.
Benedict College Improves to 11-6
Mia Burgess led Benedict College with 19 kills, while Angelic Carter added 15. Benedict College improved to 11-6 overall and 7-4 in SIAC competition, matching Edward Waters University’s conference record. Benedict College posted a .137 hitting percentage, while Edward Waters University finished at .206.
Edward Waters University was scheduled to host Allen University (S.C.) at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 11, at the Adams-Jenkins Complex. The match was scheduled as another SIAC contest following the five-set loss to Benedict College.
FSB Take
Edward Waters University built a two-set lead but could not close out the conference match after Benedict College won the final three sets. Aquino and Thompson each recorded a double-double, while Edward Waters University received contributions across its offense, defense and blocking totals. The next scheduled match against Allen University (S.C.) gives Edward Waters University its next opportunity to respond in SIAC play.
Source: Original report