Talladega, Ala. — After a slow start, the Talladega College Tornadoes flipped the momentum Thursday night, rallying from a first-set loss to defeat Stillman College 3–1 in an inspired home victory.
Stillman edged out the opening set 27–25, but that was the last time they held control. Talladega stormed back with confidence and composure, taking the next three sets 25–21, 25–16, and 25–20 to secure the win.
Junior middle blocker Kortni Johnson powered the Tornadoes with a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 10 kills, three solo blocks, and a team-high 14 total points. Her energy at the net was a difference-maker, igniting Talladega's offense and anchoring its defense.
Outside hitter Taquoia Rounds was equally impressive, leading the attack with 13 kills and seven digs. Her steady hand and aggressive swings provided the spark Talladega needed to turn the match around.
Setting the tone offensively, Laela Price was masterful in distributing the ball, tallying 33 assists and adding five kills on a sharp .455 hitting percentage. Her precise ball placement and court vision kept Stillman's defense on its heels all night.
Defensively, Briyith Echeverri was the anchor, racking up 25 digs and showcasing relentless hustle in the back row. Sha'Niya Cribbs added 19 digs, five kills, and two service aces, delivering clutch plays that helped the Tornadoes maintain momentum throughout the final three sets.
The Tornadoes' depth shone through with key contributions across the lineup — Azha Dudley added six kills and a block assist, while Jadah Powell chipped in another six kills. Together, they fueled a balanced attack that kept Stillman guessing.
After the win, Head Coach Janay Yancey praised her team's resilience and balance.
"We started off slow, but once we made adjustments, our composure and execution improved with each set," Yancey said. "Offensively, it was one of our most balanced performances of the season. We embodied our team culture by dictating the tempo and staying poised through mistakes."
As a team, Talladega totaled 46 kills, 61 digs, and a .154 hitting percentage, showcasing both power and persistence. After dropping the opener, the Tornadoes responded with the kind of heart and determination that defines their season — and proved that when they find their rhythm, they're a storm that's hard to stop.
