The Talladega College volleyball team came out strong Friday evening, taking the opening set in front of their home crowd. Despite the early momentum, the Tornadoes couldn't hold off a late push from Fisk University, dropping a 3–1 decision (26–24, 16–25, 13–25, 14–25).
The Tornadoes were locked in from the start, rallying late in the first set behind Taquoia "Taco" Rounds and Kortni Johnson. Rounds powered the offense with 12 kills, 12 digs, and a pair of service aces — showing her all-around impact on both ends of the court. Johnson added a steady 9 kills on a sharp .421 hitting percentage, while also contributing two blocks to slow Fisk's attack.
Running the offense, Laela Price was a steady hand for Talladega, delivering 22 assists and 7 digs while keeping the Tornadoes organized and in rhythm throughout the match. In the back row, Briyith Echeverri was a difference-maker defensively, leading the team with 16 digs and a .500 hitting percentage, consistently turning difficult plays into transition opportunities.
Azha Dudley and Jadah Powell gave the Tornadoes key touches at the net, combining for 6 kills and 2 blocks, while Jordyn Lacey added 4 kills, 4 digs, and two service aces to round out a balanced team effort. Collectively, Talladega recorded 49 digs and 3 team blocks in a spirited defensive showing.
Following the match, Head Coach Janay Yancey praised her team's effort and togetherness.
"I'm proud of how balanced our group was tonight," said Yancey. "Laela really set the tone with her decision-making and kept everyone in rhythm. Kortni and Azha gave us such a strong presence in the middle, changing the game with both their blocking and timely kills. Briyith anchored the back row and turned tough plays into opportunities. Taco gave us big swings and serving runs at crucial moments. It was a complete team win, and every one of them had a hand in closing it out."
Despite the loss, Talladega's opening-set performance and balanced contributions across the lineup underscored the team's growth and potential as conference play heats up. The Tornadoes will look to bounce back in their next outing.
