CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Benedict College volleyball team opened the 2016 season with a pair of wins at the Johnson C. Smith University tri-match on Saturday.

Benedict kicked off the season with a 3-1 victory over Allen University, then cruised to a 3-0 victory over host Johnson C. Smith. Benedict defeated Allen 25-23, 25-19, 26-28, 25-22. Benedict defeated Johnson C. Smith 25-18, 25-15, 25-12.

Aaliyah Lawson had a double-double with a team-high 11 kills to go along with 15 assists against Allen. Lawson continued her stellar play against Johnson C. Smith with a team-high nine kills, 10 assists and a team-high six aces.

Arneshia Parrish also had double-figure kills against Allen with 10. Taylor Stephens had nine kills and five blocks against Allen. V'Aira Harris had a team-high 24 assists.

Against Johnson C. Smith, Adrionna Washington added five kills and five blocks. Harris had 13 assists.  Majda Cisic had 33 digs on the day, including 22 against Allen.

Benedict travels to Fayetteville State on Friday and Shaw on Saturday for a pair of non-conference matches.