The Talladega College women's volleyball team opened the 2025 season with a challenging weekend tournament, facing Truett McConnell University, Warner College, Florida College, and Brenau University. While the Tornadoes didn't come away with a win, the weekend revealed resilience, emerging leaders, and the kind of competitive spirit that sets a foundation for the season.
Talladega's first match against Truett McConnell was a thriller. The Tornadoes fell behind two sets but fought back in the third and fourth, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set. Taquoia Rounds led the way with 22 kills and 22 digs, while Azha Dudley added 15 kills. Sha'Niya Cribbs ran the offense with more than 30 assists and double-digit digs, and Briyith Echeverri anchored the backline with 30 digs. Kortni Johnson contributed with blocks, aces, and timely kills. Even though Talladega narrowly lost, the team showed it could compete with top-level opponents.
The Tornadoes then faced Warner University, Florida College, and Brenau University, with all three matches going three sets. Against Warner and Brenau, Talladega fought hard but couldn't find the rhythm needed to secure a set. Versus Florida College, the team showed flashes of strong teamwork and solid defense, with the offense staying balanced and players stepping up in key moments. While they came up short in each match, the effort and determination were clear.
Several players stood out over the weekend. Head Coach Janay Yancey praised their performances:
"Taquoia Rounds gave us a true dual threat this weekend — she was dominant on the attack and just as reliable in the back row. Sha'Niya Cribbs was the steady hand that kept our offense flowing, making smart decisions and creating opportunities for our hitters. Briyith Echeverri set the tone defensively with her grit and consistency, giving us confidence in the back row. Azha Dudley proved to be a reliable scoring option at the net, finding ways to put balls away in big moments. And Kortni Johnson gave us balance across the board — blocking, serving, and scoring when we needed her most. Together, they showed the type of foundation we can build on moving forward."
Even though the team went 0–4, there were plenty of positives to build on. The combination of experienced players and emerging leaders offers a solid foundation for offensive development. The defense, anchored by Echeverri and Rounds, was a stabilizing force, and the competitive five-set match against Truett McConnell showed that Talladega can push tough opponents to the limit.
The first weekend of the season was defined by heart, leadership, and near-comeback moments. With the mix of experience, energy, and emerging leadership from players like Rounds, Cribbs, Echeverri, Dudley, and Johnson, the Tornadoes have plenty to build on as they reset for conference play.
