Columbia, South Carolina-After back-to-back crossovers against SIAC West Division squads, Edward Waters returned to East Division play on Monday afternoon against Benedict at HRC Arena. The Lady Tigers were able to come out on top with a hard fought 3-0 sweep of Benedict, securing a season sweep.

Edward Waters (10-4, 8-1 SIAC) roared out to a 22-13 lead in Set #1, before Benedict (11-4, 8-4 SIAC) fired back with an 8-1 run to square the contest at 24. Needing to win by two, EWU was able to earn back-to-back kills to win 26-24. 

Benedict started Set #2 out with a 14-12 lead, but Edward Waters responded in kind, scoring the next five points to take a 17-14 lead. Benedict came back with a run of their own to square the matchup at 18 apiece. After three straight kills from EWU, BC cut the deficit to one at 21-20. Edward Waters was able to fire off a 4-1 run to shut the door and take a 2-0 lead.

Set #3 also proved to be a slugfest between the two squads. Benedict appeared to be destined to send the contest to a fourth set after taking a 23-19 lead, but the East Division co-leaders scored the next five points to take a 24-23 lead. Benedict capitalized on an Edward Waters error on match point to square the contest at 24, but EWU brought an end to the match after scoring the next two points to earn a pivotal East Division win.

EWU had to overcome their own mistakes in the match, as they had 19 errors while Benedict had 22. Edward Waters hit .174 on 42 kills, compared to .099 on 34 kills for BC. 

The Lady Tigers were led by Fatima Ramirez with 16 kills, including two aces, and three blocks. De'Nyla Harlan chipped in with 11 kills, two aces, and one block, while Naomy Vergez Varona had eight kills, three aces, and 13 digs. Damari Johnson led EWU in block with five, while Mataiya Barber had a match high 33 assists, and Jenieth Guzman finished with 16 digs.

Edward Waters will step out of SIAC play in their next match as they will renew an old Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Rivalry with Talladega on Friday, October 6th. First serve from Alabama is set for 6:00pm.

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