NEW ORLEANS – Mercer senior Sydney Benson and junior Kate Hardie have been named Sun Belt Conference Beach Volleyball Pair of the Week after posting an undefeated record in Jacksonville, Fla.

The weekly honor is the second by a Mercer pair this season after Liv Diaz and Jordan Paddock were recognized following the season’s third week.
 
Benson and Kate Hardie locked down a perfect 4-0 weekend from the No. 3 position in the Bears’ lineup, including three victories in straight sets. As a team, Mercer went 3-1, as Benson and Hardie defeated Jacksonville and Webber once apiece while besting Eckerd twice.
 
The weekend performance allowed Benson to reach the 50 wins mark for her collegiate career.

2025 Sun Belt Conference Beach Volleyball Pairs of the Week
Week 1 – Gracie Sistrunk / Lyvia Trimp, UNCW
Week 2 – Laurel Dennis / Sadie McAda, Southern Miss
Week 3 – Liv Diaz / Jordan Paddock, Mercer
Week 4 – Gabby LaPata / Sarah Thompson, UNCW
Week 5 – Gracie Sistrunk / Lyvia Trimp, UNCW
Week 6 – Danica Singleton / Michaela Jefferson, Georgia State
Week 7 – Sydney Benson / Kate Hardie, Mercer