SAVANNAH, Ga. – Behind a dominant offensive performance from Nyalah Smith and an impressive all-around effort from Amiyah Walker, the Savannah State University women's volleyball team earned a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benedict College on Tuesday evening inside Tiger Arena.
The Lady Tigers captured the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup by scores of 25-23, 25-22, 22-25 and 25-20, improving to 5-18 overall and 4-12 in conference play.
Smith delivered a stellar performance for Savannah State, finishing with a match-high 25 kills on 55 attempts while posting a .255 hitting percentage. Faith Woods provided another strong offensive presence, recording 18 kills and 14 digs for a double-double.
Walker orchestrated the Lady Tigers' attack with 39 assists while adding a match-high 21 digs, four kills and three block assists. Hope White contributed 13 digs, while Jasbrielle Veal registered three service aces.
Savannah State faced adversity early in the opening set as Benedict built a 23-18 advantage. However, the Lady Tigers responded with seven consecutive points to steal the set, 25-23. Smith was instrumental during the comeback, delivering four kills during the closing run before Veal sealed the opening-set victory with a service ace.
The second set featured several momentum swings before Savannah State established control late. With the score tied at 16, the Lady Tigers put together a 6-1 run to take a 22-17 advantage. Benedict attempted to rally, but Savannah State held on for a 25-22 victory to take a commanding two-set lead.
Benedict refused to go away quietly, battling through a closely contested third set. The visitors used a late surge to pull ahead and eventually claimed the frame, 25-22, extending the match to a fourth set.
Savannah State answered in the fourth, overcoming an early deficit with another timely offensive surge. Trailing 15-13, the Lady Tigers scored seven consecutive points to move ahead 20-15. The rally gave Savannah State the separation it needed to close out the match, 25-20, and secure the conference victory.
As a team, Savannah State finished with 55 kills, 50 assists, 67 digs and seven service aces. The Lady Tigers also recorded four total team blocks.
Benedict (11-10, 7-8 SIAC) was led by Desire' Young, who finished with 15 kills, while DeMyah Jackson contributed 11 kills and 10 digs. Angelic Carter added six kills and eight block assists to go along with one solo block.
The victory highlighted Savannah State's resilience, particularly in the opening set, and its ability to respond after Benedict forced a fourth frame.
Savannah State will return to action on Thursday, October 29, as the Lady Tigers travel to Columbia, South Carolina, for a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup against Allen University. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of Savannah State University Athletics, visit SSUAthletics.com and follow the Tigers on social media at @SavStateTigers on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
