TUSKEGEE, Ala. ^__ Tuskegee volleyball delivered one of its most dramatic performances of the season Tuesday night inside the Daniel Chappie James Center, outlasting SIAC foe Claflin in a five-set battle, 3-2.
 
The Golden Tigers stormed ahead with early dominance, weathered a furious Panther comeback, and ultimately found the resolve to close out the match with a decisive fifth-set win (25-10, 25-23, 18-25, 26-28, 15-10).
 
The opening set belonged entirely to Tuskegee, who imposed their will from the first serve. Najwa Williams and Jordyn Jones powered the attack with early kills, while Mikea Allen directed a sharp offensive rhythm.
 
A long service run from Jasmine Brantley widened the gap to double digits, and Tuskegee closed out a commanding 25-10 win with Williams gaining the final kill.
 
Set two was a different story, as Claflin settled in and forced a back-and-forth frame. The Panthers grabbed a 23-22 lead late, threatening to even the match, but Tuskegee showed composure under pressure with a kill from Lauren Canady to tie the game closing out the set with two consecutive kills. The 25-23 victory gave Tuskegee a 2-0 match lead.
 
Claflin refused to go quietly, controlling much of the third set. Behind consistent scoring from Aryanna Connell and Zaniya Harris, the Panthers built an early cushion and never looked back. Despite efforts to chip away, Tuskegee couldn't overcome the deficit, dropping the set 25-19 as Claflin cut the match margin to 2-1.
 
The fourth set produced the night's most intense drama. Tuskegee raced ahead 9-5, only to see Claflin claw back and tie the score at 10-10.
 
The teams traded points deep into extra rallies, with Sian Sprinkle and Williams delivering clutch swings. Tension escalated as Claflin's bench drew a yellow and red card, but the Panthers held firm. The Panthers closed the set with back-to-back points, sealing a 28-26 win that evened the match at two sets apiece and sent the contest to a deciding fifth frame.
 
In the fifth and final set, Tuskegee's determination shined through. Quick strikes helped establish an early 5-2 edge, and Sahnee Dillahunt-Nedd added a service ace during an 8-3 surge.
 
With Chloe Edwards anchoring the defense and steady play offensively, Tuskegee never let Claflin back within striking distance. Holding a 14-10 lead, the Golden Tigers turned to Canady, who delivered the match-clinching kill to secure a 15-10 set and the 3-2 victory.
 
The win showcased Tuskegee's resilience in the face of adversity, improving their record and preserving an unbeaten mark at home.

Tuskegee's victory was fueled by several standout individual performances. Williams recorded her first double-double of the season with a career-high 20 kills to go along with 14 digs, while Kayla Coleman added 11 kills on the outside.

Defensively, Edwards anchored the back row with a career-best 32 digs, and Brantley also shined with a career-high 28 digs and two service aces.

In the setting rotation, Allen notched her second double-double of the year, dishing out a season-high 30 assists while adding 17 digs, and Dillahunt-Nedd contributed 19 assists, five digs, and two aces to round out a balanced team effort.

Up Next
The Golden Tigers will return to play this weekend as they open conference play starting on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Albany State Crossover. Tuskegee will take on host Albany State (10 a.m.) and Savannah State (3 p.m.) on Thursday, before taking on Clark Atlanta (2 p.m.) and Allen (7 p.m.) on Friday, all inside the HPER Complex.
 
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