COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Albany State University women's volleyball team showed resilience and determination Tuesday evening, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat Benedict College in a thrilling five-set comeback victory (21-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13) at HRC Arena.
The victory marked the Golden Rams' 10th consecutive win, improving their overall record to 19-8 and their Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) record to 13-1.
Golden Rams Battle Back
Albany State faced an uphill battle early as Benedict controlled the opening two sets. The Tigers claimed the first set 25-21 before taking the second 25-16, putting the Golden Rams on the brink of defeat.
However, Albany State refused to go away.
With their backs against the wall, the Golden Rams responded with renewed energy and intensity in the third set. Albany State recorded 14 kills while hitting an impressive .333 to capture the set 25-21 and keep its comeback hopes alive.
The momentum continued into the fourth set as Albany State battled Benedict in another tightly contested frame. The Golden Rams recorded 12 kills and held the Tigers to a .189 hitting percentage, pulling out a 25-23 victory to force a decisive fifth set.
With the match tied at two sets apiece, Albany State completed its remarkable comeback in dramatic fashion. The Golden Rams recorded eight kills in the final frame and outlasted Benedict 15-13 to secure their 10th straight victory.
After dropping the opening two sets, Albany State captured three consecutive sets to complete one of its most impressive comeback performances of the season.
Golden Rams Standouts
Amiria Anderson led Albany State offensively with a match-high 16 kills for the Golden Rams, hitting .324 while adding seven digs.
Shaniya Banks delivered an outstanding performance at the net, recording 11 kills on an impressive .474 hitting percentage. Banks also contributed four total blocks, including two solo blocks.
Jarianis Perez continued her strong play with a double-double, finishing with 11 kills and a team-high 15 digs. Perez also contributed two service aces.
Liannette Burgos directed the Golden Rams' offense with 27 assists and seven digs, while Onyinyechi Nwosu added 14 assists.
Defensively, Myra Lopez recorded 12 digs, while Gabby Moore provided a spark from the service line with three aces.
As a team, Albany State finished with 58 kills, 54 assists, 64 digs and eight service aces.
Ten Straight and Counting
Tuesday's victory extended Albany State's winning streak to 10 consecutive matches as the Golden Rams continued their strong run through SIAC competition.
The comeback also demonstrated the team's ability to respond under pressure, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to earn a hard-fought road victory.
Up Next
The Golden Rams will remain in Columbia, South Carolina, as they return to action Wednesday, October 21, against Allen University. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as Albany State looks to extend its winning streak to 11 consecutive matches.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 12 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
