JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University freshman setter Naraiya Thompson continues to make an immediate impact in her debut collegiate season, earning her third Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Setter of the Week honor following another outstanding stretch of performances that helped lead the Lady Tigers to a perfect 2-0 record in conference competition.
Thompson was instrumental in Edward Waters' victories over Savannah State University and Clark Atlanta University, orchestrating the Lady Tigers' offensive attack with impressive precision, consistency, and poise beyond her years.
Across the two matches, the freshman standout compiled an exceptional 93 assists, 15 digs, and six service aces, averaging an impressive 11.63 assists per set while helping Edward Waters secure consecutive four-set victories.
Thompson opened the week with a stellar all-around performance in the Lady Tigers' 3-1 road victory over Savannah State, recording 43 assists and 10 digs to register a double-double.
Her ability to distribute the ball effectively and create scoring opportunities for her teammates helped Edward Waters overcome an opening-set deficit and secure a crucial conference road victory.
The win also completed the Lady Tigers' regular-season sweep of Savannah State, with Thompson playing a pivotal role in directing an efficient and balanced offensive attack.
The freshman setter carried that momentum into Thursday's Homecoming showdown against Clark Atlanta, delivering another sensational performance in front of the home crowd inside James Weldon Johnson (JWJ) Gymnasium.
Thompson dished out a remarkable 50 assists and added five digs, helping Edward Waters capture a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Lady Panthers.
Her outstanding distribution was particularly important during a tightly contested matchup that saw the Lady Tigers claim the opening set 29-27 before battling to a 28-26 victory in the pivotal third frame.
With Thompson directing the offense, Edward Waters closed out the match with a commanding 25-14 fourth-set victory, completing the season sweep of Clark Atlanta and securing its second consecutive conference win.
Thompson's 50-assist performance marked the highlight of an exceptional week in which she consistently demonstrated her ability to control the tempo of matches, create opportunities for multiple attackers, and deliver in high-pressure situations.
Her 93 assists across eight sets showcased the offensive efficiency and consistency that have made her one of the conference's most impactful young setters.
Despite being in just her first collegiate season, Thompson has quickly established herself as a vital component of the Edward Waters lineup, displaying exceptional court vision, decision-making, and leadership in directing the Lady Tigers' offensive attack.
With her latest recognition, Thompson has now earned SIAC Setter of the Week honors three times during the 2026 season, further solidifying her reputation as one of the conference's premier emerging talents.
The honor also capped an impressive week of individual recognition for Edward Waters Women's Volleyball, as junior middle blocker Jewel Helmuth earned SIAC Offensive Player of the Week, while senior libero Dimaliz Figueroa was selected as SIAC Defensive Player of the Week.
The trio of conference awards highlights the Lady Tigers' impressive production on both sides of the net during their undefeated week.
With victories over Savannah State and Clark Atlanta, Edward Waters improved to 12-10 overall and 11-5 in SIAC play, winning seven of its last 10 matches as the team continues to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Thompson and the Lady Tigers will return to action on Thursday, October 29, when Edward Waters travels to Columbia, South Carolina, for a pivotal SIAC road matchup against Benedict College inside HRC Arena.
The Lady Tigers will look to avenge their earlier five-set setback against Benedict and continue their push toward a strong postseason position.
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