Mobile, Alabama-The Edward Waters women's volleyball squad traveled across Interstate 10 to take part in an SIAC Mini Crossover against host school and defending conference champ Spring Hill and Tuskegee. The Lady Tigers were earned a split of both contest, dropping their first to the Badgers in straight sets, but rebounding to defeat the Golden Tigerettes 3-1.
GAME ONE: Spring Hill 3, Edward Waters 0 (20-25, 13-25, 18-25):
Edward Waters opened the crossover against Spring Hill in a rematch of last season's SIAC Championship Game which was held on the same floor. Unfortunately for the Lady Tigers, the story was repeated this season as Spring Hill was able to earn a 3-0 sweep, sending EWU to their first conference loss of the season.
EWU had difficulty stopping a potent Spring Hill offense in the contest, as the Badgers hit .331 in the matchup on 54 kills, compared to a .160 on 31 for the Lady Tigers.
Fatima Ramirez led EWU, earning a double-double with a team leading 12 kills and 16 digs. Reigning conference Setter of the Week
Mataiya Barber dished out 27 assists in the matchup for the Lady Tigers as well.
GAME TWO: Edward Waters 3, Tuskegee 1 (25-20, 25-9, 22-25, 25-9):
The Lady Tigers had to quickly put the loss to Spring Hill behind them as they turned their attentions to Tuskegee in their final contest of the Mini Crossover. Edward Waters quickly shot out to a 2-0 lead after the first two sets of the match and it had the looks of a quick sweep. Tuskegee had other plans as they were able to stay alive in Set #3, winning 25-22. The defending SIAC East Division Champions got back in order and flexed their superiority, dominating Set #4 25-9 and getting back in the win column.
Edward Waters hit .289 in the contest, while also recording 56 kills, all the while holding Tuskegee to a .087 hitting percentage on 34 kills.
Fatima Ramirez finished one dig short of another double-double with 22 kills and nine digs, while also adding four service aces and four blocks.
De'Nyla Harlan also had a solid offensive effort with 14 kills, while
Naomy Vergez Varona had eight kills along with two service aces for the Purple & Orange.
Mataiya Barber had a match high 48 assists, while
Jenieth Guzman had 21 digs for EWU.
The Lady Tigers will return to East Division play on Monday, October 2nd as they head to Columbia, South Carolina to battle the Lady Tigers of Benedict College at 5:00pm.
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