The Talladega College women's soccer team delivered a historic performance this week, capturing the HBCU Athletic Conference Championship and earning an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. The Tornadoes secured back-to-back postseason victories, defeating Wiley College 4–2 and Huston-Tillotson University 3–1 in Shreveport, Louisiana, in a run that showcased the team's skill, composure, and competitive growth.
In their first postseason match, Talladega set the tone early and never looked back, racing to a commanding 3–0 first half lead against Wiley College. Shamya Daniels opened the scoring in the 16th minute, followed by a well-placed strike from midfielder Gabrielle Bryan five minutes later. The scoring surge continued only minutes after when leading scorer Annalisa Vincent delivered a decisive third goal. Vincent later added her second goal of the match in the 64th minute, sealing Talladega's fourth goal of the day. The Tornadoes registered 18 total shots with 12 on target, while holding Wiley to two goals despite their 21 shot attempts. Goalkeeper Alyssa Johnson recorded five saves to help preserve the victory.
Talladega carried that momentum into the championship match against Huston-Tillotson and immediately asserted control with a dominant offensive start. Vincent scored the opener just 11 minutes into the match, finishing a setup from Amelia Tiggs, and less than two minutes later Daniels struck again to put the Tornadoes ahead 2–0 before the 12-minute mark. Huston-Tillotson cut the deficit late in the first half, but Talladega's poise never wavered. Daniels secured her second goal of the match in the 73rd minute, sealing the win and completing a brace in an outstanding performance. The Tornadoes produced three goals on only eight shots, demonstrating efficiency and precision in the attack, while Johnson totaled five saves to help close out the match.
Talladega's success was driven by explosive attacking play from Daniels and Vincent, who combined for six goals over the two matches, along with key contributions from Bryan, Tiggs, Ramdoo, Stott, Alexander, Johnson, and others who played significant minutes on both sides of the ball. Johnson was especially important in goal across both matches, making ten total saves during the championship run.
With the victories, Talladega improved its record to 9–4 overall and closed the conference season undefeated in league play. By winning the conference title, Talladega College secured an automatic berth to the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Tournament, marking a monumental achievement for the program and institution. The Tornadoes will now represent both Talladega College and the HBCU Athletic Conference on the national stage, preparing to face elite competition from across the country.
This championship run reflects a season of growth, resilience, and belief in a program that continues to climb. With a dynamic offense, cohesive midfield, sturdy defensive leadership, and a goalkeeper performing under pressure, Talladega has proven it can win big games at the highest level. The Tornadoes will enter the national tournament riding momentum, confidence, and a sense of purpose, looking to extend what has already become a legacy-building season.
