FORT VALLEY, Ga. -- Spring Hill College volleyball captured the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championship on Thursday, defeating Albany State 3-1 (17-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-23) at the Health and Physical Education Complex. The Badgers closed out their SIAC tenure in championship fashion, finishing a perfect 19-0 against conference opponents.
After dropping the opening set 25-17, Spring Hill responded with a dominant second frame, recording 19 kills to even the match with a 25-18 victory. The Badgers carried that momentum into the third, hitting .370 with 13 kills and just three errors to take a 2-1 match advantage with a 25-13 win.
Spring Hill faced its toughest test in the fourth set, as Albany State looked to force a deciding frame. The Badgers answered with another outstanding offensive performance, recording 19 kills on a .441 hitting percentage. Spring Hill held off the Golden Rams down the stretch, securing a 25-23 victory to claim the conference championship.
Samaya Hennessy led the Badgers with 19 kills, adding 10 digs and 22.5 points.
Claire Hayes followed with 16 kills while hitting .419, and
Bailey Bevolo delivered an efficient performance with 11 kills on 16 attempts for a .563 hitting percentage.
Cassie Creech paced the offense with 31 assists, while
Lily Floyd added 23 assists. Whiteside contributed 17 digs and three service aces, while Hennessy added 10 digs. Bevolo led the team with five total blocks.
Spring Hill finished the championship match with 62 kills and a .301 hitting percentage, compared to 39 kills and a .248 mark for Albany State. The Badgers also held advantages in service aces (10-2) and assists (58-37).
The championship capped a historic final conference campaign for Spring Hill, which finished its SIAC tenure with 227 consecutive conference victories. The Badgers also captured their eighth straight SIAC regular-season and eighth straight tournament championship, adding one final title to their legacy in the league.
Hayes was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Hennessy and Whiteside earned All-Tournament Team honors, giving three Badgers individual recognition as Spring Hill celebrated its championship.
Spring Hill closes its SIAC era with a championship, eight conference titles and 227 consecutive conference victories.
