ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The Benedict College women's volleyball team opened the 2021 season on Thursday with a 3-2 victory over Claflin University on Thursday night.

Benedict won the first two sets, then Claflin rallied to win the next two sets. After trailing 10-3 in the final set, the Lady Tigers scored seven points in a row to tie the score. Claflin scored the next point, then Benedict closed out the match with the final five points. Cana Smith scored a service ace, then Brikyia Benjamin and Kennede Thomas scored with kills before a Claflin attack error closed out the match.

Thomas led the Lady Tigers with 17 kills in her collegiate debut. Smith added 12 kills and 12 digs for a double-double. Ashleigh Reeves had 34 assists. Amber Scott led the defense with 27 digs.

Benedict travels to North Greenville on Tuesday before taking on Allen on Thursday in their home opener at 6 p.m.