Benedict College's women's volleyball team boasts three players on the 2026 SIAC preseason team and is expected to finish fourth in the conference. Desire' Young, named first team middle blocker, previously led the SIAC with a .342 hitting percentage and secured the second most total blocks last season. Sophomores Mia Burgess and Angelic Carter earned second team honors, with Burgess ranking seventh in kills per set and Carter fifth in blocks per set. The Lady Tigers finished last season at 18-10 and are set to begin the new season on September 4. The reigning champion Spring Hill was predicted to once again take the top spot.

By the Numbers
  • Desire' Young led the SIAC with a .342 hitting percentage last season.
  • Mia Burgess recorded an average of 3.13 kills per set, ranking seventh in the SIAC.
  • Angelique Carter contributed with 0.92 blocks per set, placing fifth in the league.
State of Play
  • Benedict is coming off an 18-10 season, finishing 11-8 in the SIAC.
  • They are predicted to finish fourth in the conference rankings.
  • Upcoming season opener is on September 4 against Virginia Union University.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Benedict will aim to improve on last year's performance, leveraging the strengths of its top players. The team's dynamics will be tested against formidable competitors, particularly Spring Hill, as they strive for higher conference standings. Performance in the early season matches will be crucial for setting the tone moving forward.

Bottom Line

With three standout players recognized by the conference, the Lady Tigers have potential for success. Their fourth-place prediction underlines the competitiveness of the SIAC, but also sets a clear target for improvement. A strong start to the season could propel Benedict to challenge for the top spots in future rankings.