BRADENTON, Fla. — Warner University Women's Volleyball officially opened the 2026 season this weekend at the 2026 Mighty Banyan Volleypalooza, hosted by New College of Florida, competing in three matches against Florida Memorial University, the University of Mobile, and William Carey University.
Warner wasted little time making an impression in its 2026 season opener, earning a convincing 3-0 victory over Florida Memorial. Siarah Bencosme led the Royals offensively with 10 kills, while Maricelys Rivera anchored the defensive effort with 11 digs. Skye McDermott and Imar Laboy each recorded 15 assists to help guide Warner's attack.
Araya Gibson and Bencosme each registered three service aces, while Gibson added a team-best four blocks. The Royals' serving game proved to be a major factor in the season-opening victory, with Warner recording 13 total service aces in the season-opening sweep.
The Royals returned to action Saturday morning against the University of Mobile, facing a Rams squad that presented a difficult challenge. Bencosme again led Warner in kills, finishing with six, while Julia De Jesus delivered a strong all-around performance. De Jesus recorded a team-high 13 digs and added three service aces.
Laboy directed the Warner offense with nine assists, while Gibson continued her presence at the net with four blocks.
Warner concluded the Mighty Banyan Volleypalooza Saturday afternoon against William Carey University, battling through a four-set contest before falling, 3-1. Bencosme once again paced the Royals offensively with six kills while contributing two service aces and three blocks. McDermott added two aces and led the Royals with seven assists.
Rivera anchored the defensive effort with 13 digs, giving her a second double-digit dig performance of the weekend. The Royals' final match of the weekend provided another valuable test as Warner continued to gain experience against a nationally ranked contender.
Up Next
The Royals will hit the road for their next tournament, traveling to Marietta, Ga., on August 22-23 to compete in the Life University La Tribu Running Eagle Classic. Warner will look to build on its opening-weekend experience as the Royals continue their 2026 campaign against another challenging tournament field.
Match Leaders
— vs. Florida Memorial
— vs. Mobile(AL)
— vs. William Carey(MS)
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