JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new season is here, and the Edward Waters University women's volleyball team is ready to begin its 2026 campaign as the Lady Tigers prepare for a challenging three-match weekend at the 2026 Bahama House Classic, hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Edward Waters was selected to finish eighth in the 2026 SIAC Women's Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish, while junior setter Autumn James earned preseason recognition as a Second-Team All-SIAC selection.
James will serve as one of the key returning pieces for a Lady Tigers squad that combines valuable experience with an exciting group of newcomers. Her preseason honor reflects the confidence surrounding her entering the new campaign as Edward Waters looks to make its mark throughout the SIAC.
The Lady Tigers return a deep and battle-tested core, including James, Dimaliz Figueroa, Brooklyn Jones, Norah Laurore, and Jewel Helmuth. Each brings experience from previous seasons and will play an important role in helping establish the team's identity as the 2026 season gets underway.
Along with its returning nucleus, Edward Waters welcomes a talented collection of newcomers ready to make their mark in Orange and Purple. Ashtay Bennett, Kalia Williams, Shaniah Jones, and Naraiya Thompson are among the new faces joining the Lady Tigers and will look to provide an immediate boost to the squad.
With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, Edward Waters enters the season with an opportunity to build chemistry and establish momentum from the opening serve.
The Lady Tigers will waste little time testing themselves, opening the season with three matches at the Bahama House Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida. Edward Waters will face Florida Southern and Florida Tech on Friday before concluding tournament play Saturday with a matchup against host institution Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
All three matches will be played inside the ICI Center on the campus of Embry-Riddle.
The opening weekend will provide the Lady Tigers with an early opportunity to compete against quality opposition while continuing to develop their chemistry and rhythm heading into the heart of the 2026 campaign.
With a veteran core ready to lead the way and a promising group of newcomers eager to make an impact, Edward Waters is ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter.
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