FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Albany State University women's volleyball team advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Women's Volleyball Tournament following a four-set victory over rival Fort Valley State University (25-15, 25-16, 16-25, 25-12) in Tuesday's quarterfinal matchup at the Health and Physical Education Complex.
With the victory, the Lady Golden Rams improved to 25-8 overall and extended their winning streak to 16 consecutive matches, continuing their impressive run under SIAC Coach of the Year Verniece Graham.
Albany State delivered a balanced offensive performance, finishing with 43 kills and a .290 hitting percentage while recording 11 service aces and 12 block assists.
Aleiah Carr and First Team All-SIAC selection Jarianis Perez led the Lady Golden Rams with nine kills apiece. Carr posted a .368 hitting percentage, while Perez added seven digs and two service aces.
Second Team All-SIAC selection Shaniya Banks followed with eight kills on 13 attempts, posting an impressive .462 hitting percentage while contributing four block assists.
The Lady Golden Rams came out firing in the opening set, using an efficient offensive attack to establish control early. Albany State recorded 13 kills and a .476 hitting percentage to claim the first set, 25-15.
Albany State carried that momentum into the second set, overcoming a competitive stretch to secure a 25-16 victory and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
Fort Valley State responded in the third set, recording 18 kills and a .515 hitting percentage to take the frame, 25-16, and extend the match.
However, the Lady Golden Rams quickly regained control in the fourth set, limiting the Wildcats to just seven kills and a negative .038 hitting percentage. Albany State closed out the match with a convincing 25-12 victory to punch its ticket to the SIAC semifinals.
Maya Ogbogu and Amiria Anderson each contributed six kills, while Serenity Jackson added three kills and four block assists.
The Lady Golden Rams also received strong performances from their setters, with Liannette Burgos recording 20 assists and three service aces, while Trinity Britt contributed 18 assists, six digs and three service aces.
Defensively, Myra Lopez anchored Albany State with a match-high 15 digs and three service aces, helping the Lady Golden Rams maintain control throughout the contest.
Fort Valley State was led by Dakotah Holmes, who finished with a match-high 16 kills, while Caytlyn Sanford added 10 kills. Reagan Mann directed the Wildcats' offense with 37 assists.
Up Next
Albany State will return to action on Wednesday, November 11, when the Lady Golden Rams face Miles College in the SIAC Tournament semifinals. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Health and Physical Education Complex in Fort Valley, Georgia.
