The William Carey volleyball team opened its 2026 season with two victories: a thrilling five-set match against Bethel (Ind.) followed by a straight-set win over Florida Memorial. After losing the first set to Bethel, the Lady Crusaders regained momentum by winning the next three. In the match against Florida Memorial, the team established dominance early and consistently maintained control, finishing with identical sets of 25-14. Their success sets a promising tone for the season ahead.

By the Numbers
  • Match against Bethel ended 3-2, with set scores of 22-25, 25-23, 25-10, 21-25, 15-8.
  • Match against Florida Memorial concluded 3-0, with set scores of 25-14, 25-14, 25-14.
State of Play
  • William Carey has a strong start with two wins in their opening matches.
  • The team showcases effective offensive strategies, leveraging key players like Rachel Stegall and Alejandra Villarreal across both matches.
What's Next

The Lady Crusaders are set to continue their tournament play with matches against Warner University and New College of Florida on Saturday. These upcoming games will test their cohesion and performance against diverse competition.

Bottom Line

William Carey鈥檚 strong opening reflects a team with potential for a successful season. Key players stepped up, and their performance suggests they could be strong contenders in upcoming matches, making them a team to watch.