The Talladega College women's volleyball team delivered a strong performance Friday afternoon, defeating Stillman College 3-1 at the Hawkins Center. The Tornadoes secured the victory with set scores of 25-22, 25-13, 13-25 and 25-23, improving to 5-17 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
Friday's match carried a special meaning as the Tornadoes took the court wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team used the occasion to honor survivors, remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and stand in support of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. The evening also highlighted the importance of awareness, early detection and community support.
Talladega opened the match with a competitive first set that featured several momentum shifts. Trailing 22-20 late, the Tornadoes rallied for five unanswered points to claim a 25-22 victory. Morgan Ellis sparked the comeback with two service aces, while Nyla Lewis delivered a critical kill. Asia Newsom finished the rally with the set-winning kill, giving Talladega the early advantage.
The Tornadoes carried that momentum into the second set, taking control with a commanding 13-3 lead. Talladega combined powerful attacks with strong net defense, limiting Stillman's scoring opportunities. The Tornadoes registered 14 kills in the frame and cruised to a 25-13 victory to take a 2-0 match lead.
Stillman responded in the third set, claiming a 25-13 victory to extend the match.
Talladega regained control in the fourth set behind aggressive attacks from Lewis and Tamirea Taylor, timely defensive contributions from Kortni Johnson and consistent ball distribution from Ellis.
Holding a narrow 21-20 advantage late in the fourth, the Tornadoes received a crucial kill from Callie Merrill before Taylor delivered back-to-back kills to extend the lead to 24-20.
Stillman mounted a late rally, closing the gap to 24-23, but a service error sealed the 25-23 set victory and the match for Talladega.
Lewis and Taylor Power the Tornadoes' Offense
Talladega received significant contributions throughout its lineup, with Nyla Lewis and senior outside hitter Tamirea Taylor leading the offensive attack with 12 kills apiece.
Taylor finished with a team-high 14 points while adding five digs, one block and one service ace. Lewis contributed 13 points, seven digs and one block, providing a consistent offensive presence throughout the match.
Kortni Johnson made an impact at the net, recording six kills and a team-high five blocks. Her defensive presence helped disrupt Stillman's offensive opportunities.
Morgan Ellis directed the Tornadoes' offense with 31 assists while contributing five kills, 11 digs and two service aces.
Defensively, Chaiza Jones anchored the back row with a match-high 22 digs, helping Talladega extend rallies and create additional scoring opportunities.
Callie Merrill added five kills, nine digs, two blocks and one service ace, while Asia Newsom contributed four kills.
Complete Team Effort Secures Victory
The Tornadoes finished the match with 46 kills, 38 assists, 60 digs, nine blocks and five service aces, highlighting a balanced performance on both sides of the ball.
Friday's victory showcased Talladega's offensive depth, defensive execution and ability to finish crucial sets. While the Tornadoes celebrated their success on the court, the evening represented something greater than volleyball as the team joined in raising awareness and showing support for those affected by breast cancer.
Talladega will look to carry that momentum into its upcoming matches as the 2026 season continues.
Fight On, Tornadoes!
