Jacksonville, Fla.
Marauders' Championship Run Ends in SIAC Final, But Future Burns Bright for Central State Men's Volleyball
The Central State Men's Volleyball team closed another remarkable chapter in program history with a runner-up finish at the 2026 SIAC Men's Volleyball Championship, advancing to the conference title match after a hard-fought semifinal victory over Benedict before falling to undefeated Fort Valley State in the championship match. For a program that began competition in 2022, the Marauders continue to establish themselves as one of the SIAC's premier programs, having now finished first once, second three times, and third once in just five seasons.
In Friday's semifinal, Central State showcased the resilience and firepower that defined its season, defeating Benedict 3-1 (27-29, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23) after dropping a tightly contested opening set. The Marauders responded with authority, hitting .203 as a team while piling up 54 kills, 12 service aces, and 61 digs in one of their most complete performances of the year. First Team All-SIAC outside hitter Jaedyn Harris led the attack with 14 kills, while First Team All-SIAC middle Simon Falayi added 11 kills and five blocks. Toulmin Williams IV delivered a dynamic all-around performance with 12 kills, five aces, and key points in crucial stretches, while Preston Smith contributed 10 kills and four aces. SIAC Setter of the Year Christopher Demetriou orchestrated the offense with 43 assists, guiding an efficient and balanced attack that sent the Marauders back to the championship match.
In Saturday's title match, Central State faced a formidable Fort Valley State squad that entered the final unbeaten in conference play. Despite a strong effort and competitive stretches throughout the match, the Marauders fell in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19. Central State hit .235 as a team and stayed within striking distance in each set, but Fort Valley's efficiency proved difficult to overcome as the Wildcats hit .427 for the match. Harris again led the Marauders with 10 kills, Toulmin Williams IV added nine, and Falayi chipped in six. Demetriou recorded 29 assists in the championship effort, while the Marauders battled defensively with 25 digs. Though the result fell short of a championship, the run to the final further cemented Central State's place among the SIAC elite.
What makes the ending even more compelling is what lies ahead. The Marauders return the core of a championship-caliber roster, led by SIAC Setter of the Year Christopher Demetriou, First Team All-SIAC selections Simon Falayi and Jaedyn Harris, along with key contributors Preston Smith, Amir Taylor, Toulmin Williams IV, and Prince Trimuel. With a veteran nucleus, proven postseason success, and a program that has consistently contended since its inception, the foundation is firmly in place for Central State to make another championship push in 2027.
