JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University senior libero Dimaliz Figueroa has been named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Women's Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week following a pair of outstanding performances that helped lead the Lady Tigers to an undefeated week in conference competition.
Figueroa continued her impressive senior campaign, anchoring the Edward Waters defense as the Lady Tigers posted a perfect 2-0 record with victories over Savannah State University and Clark Atlanta University.
Across the two matches, the senior defensive standout compiled an impressive 44 digs and two service aces, providing consistency, leadership, and a commanding presence in the back row.
Figueroa opened the week with one of her strongest defensive performances of the season, recording a season-high 24 digs in Edward Waters' 3-1 road victory over Savannah State.
Her exceptional defensive effort helped the Lady Tigers overcome an opening-set deficit and secure a four-set victory, completing the season sweep of Savannah State.
Figueroa's ability to read opposing attacks, extend rallies, and keep plays alive proved instrumental in limiting Savannah State's offensive opportunities throughout the contest.
The senior libero carried that momentum into Thursday's Homecoming matchup against Clark Atlanta, delivering another stellar defensive performance in front of the home crowd inside James Weldon Johnson (JWJ) Gymnasium.
Figueroa finished with a match-high 20 digs and two service aces, helping Edward Waters secure a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Lady Panthers.
Her defensive presence was particularly important during a tightly contested matchup that featured a dramatic 29-27 opening-set victory and a hard-fought 28-26 third-set win.
With Figueroa anchoring the back row, the Lady Tigers closed out the match with a dominant 25-14 fourth-set victory, completing the season sweep of Clark Atlanta.
The two victories marked another successful stretch for Edward Waters, as the Lady Tigers continued their strong push through the SIAC standings.
Figueroa's 44 digs across eight sets represented an impressive average of 5.50 digs per set, highlighting her ability to consistently produce at a high level against conference competition.
Her latest recognition further solidifies her importance to the Edward Waters defensive unit, where her experience, court awareness, and leadership have made her a key contributor throughout the 2026 season.
The honor also adds to an impressive week for the Edward Waters women's volleyball program, as junior middle blocker Jewel Helmuth was named SIAC Offensive Player of the Week following her 26-kill performance across the same two victories.
Together, the two conference selections highlight the Lady Tigers' balanced production on both sides of the net as Edward Waters continues its pursuit of postseason success.
With the pair of victories, Edward Waters improved to 12-10 overall and 11-5 in SIAC play, having won seven of its last 10 matches.
Figueroa and the Lady Tigers will return to action on Thursday, October 29, when Edward Waters travels to Columbia, South Carolina, for a highly anticipated SIAC rematch against Benedict College inside HRC Arena.
The Lady Tigers will look to avenge their earlier five-set loss to Benedict and continue building momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on X (Twitter) and Instagram at @EWU_Athletics, Facebook at /EWUTigers, or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
