CORRECTION: The original version of this story incorrectly claimed Albany State won the SIAC East with its win over Benedict, but due to potential tiebreaker scenarios, the championship has not been clinched as of Oct. 31.
COLUMBIA, S.C. | Albany State traveled to South Carolina on Tuesday and took on the Tigers of Benedict College. The Golden Rams came out on top by a score of 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 31-29).
With the victory, Albany State (11-13, 10-4) moves one step closer to clinching the SIAC East regular season title. With a win over Paine College on Nov. 2 or a Clark Atlanta loss this week, ASU can lock up the the number one seed from their division at the conference tournament next week.
Jannai Cheeks finished with 14 kills for the Golden Rams. Keonna Hobbs and Jordyn Terrell added 10 kills each. Ciara Chapman had 34 assists and four aces.
V'Aira Harris and Taylor Stephens had nine kills each for Benedict (12-14, 5-8).
The Golden Rams received more good news on Tuesday as the SIAC announced its player of the week honors which included three ASU players: Keonna Hobbs was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Jolesia McClenton earned Defensive Player of the Week, and Ciara Chapman was tabbed Setter of the Week.
Hobbs helped the Golden Rams to a four-game winning streak last week against conference opponents: Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Paine, and Fort Valley State. The Jonesboro, Ga. native posted 49 kills last week as she set her season-high 18 kills in a 3-1 victory over Paine. The senior middle hitter added 13 total blocks and eight digs to her slate on last week.
McClenton led the Golden Rams to their four-game winning streak last week against conference opponents: Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Paine, and Fort Valley State. The Sanford, Fl. native dug 70 balls last week with her best performance coming against western foe, Tuskegee.
Chapman was the heart of the Golden Rams offense as she filtered 158 assists to lead the Golden Rams to a four-game winning streak on last week. The senior setter showed her skills as she added 24 digs, six kills, and six blocks.
Albany State closes out the regular season on Friday when they travel to Augusta to take on Paine College. The Golden Rams won the first meeting between the two teams, 3-1. Game time is scheduled for 5:00 pm.
