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.
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