TUSKEGEE, Ala. – The Tuskegee University women's volleyball team opened its 2025 season in emphatic fashion Monday night, delivering a 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-20, 26-24) over Stillman College inside Chappie James Center.
 
The Golden Tigers' mix of returning veterans and talented newcomers set the tone early and never looked back, giving fifth-year head coach Pamela Perkins her second consecutive season-opening victory.
 
Tuskegee showcased a balanced and explosive attack while locking in defensively when it mattered most, leading the Golden Tigers to their first win of the season and energizing a packed home crowd.
 
Tuskegee came out aggressive, building an early lead behind strong hitting from Najwa Williams with four early kills, helping Tuskegee go up 16-5. Stillman closed the gap late, but a final kill by Zariah Messick helped seal a 25-22 opening-set victory.
 
With momentum on their side, Tuskegee controlled much of the second set, using efficient attacks and steady passing to maintain separation. The Golden Tigers led 7-3 eraly, however found the score tied at 10-10, and later saw ties at seven more ties in the set before Tuskegee closed out the set 25-20 to take a 2-0 match lead.
 
The third set featured Tuskegee's most resilient rally of the night. After falling behind 12-9, the Golden Tigers responded with a key run to retake the lead for the first time at 16-15. Later in the set, Coleman capped off the sweep with her final kill that sent the crowd into celebration as Tuskegee closed out the set 26-24 and secured a 3-0 victory.
 
Tuskegee finished the night hitting .231 as a team, registering 38 kills on the match. Coleman led the offensive charge with 11 kills on a .450 hitting percentage, while Williams added nine kills at a .300 clip and five digs. Messick showcased her versatility with seven kills, 11 digs, and one service ace, while Jones added six kills and two blocks in a strong all-around effort.
 
Defensively, Edwards anchored the back row with 15 digs and an .857 reception percentage, while Sprinkle contributed two blocks. Tuskegee's serving pressure was also a difference-maker, recording eight total aces to keep Stillman off balance throughout the match.
 
Sahnee Dillahunt-Nedd led the team with 18 assists and four service aces., while senior Mikea Allen finished with 13 assists.
 
With the win, Tuskegee improves to 1-0 on the season while Stillman drops to 0-4. The Golden Tigers will return to action on Thursday, September 11, as they hit the road to face Claflin in their first matchup away from home this season.
 
Follow the Golden Tigers
Stay connected with Tuskegee Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram (@Skegeevball). For complete coverage of Tuskegee University athletics, follow on social media at @MyTUAthletics (Twitter/Instagram), @GoldenTigerSports on Facebook, and visit the official home of Tuskegee University athletics at www.goldentigersports.com.
  Read Full Article