Stillman College Volleyball Scores First On-Court Win Since 2015

TUSCALOOSA, AL — It was a historic night in Stillman College's Birthright Alumni Hall Wednesday as the Tigers scored its first volleyball victory since the program’s revival in 2022.

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The Tigers defeated Miles College 3-1 in their home opener, marking their first win on the court since a 3-0 victory over the same opponent on Oct. 31, 2015.

The team had previously been credited with a forfeit win during the 2022 season.

“It was a phenomenal night,” first-year Stillman head coach Theresa Berry-Franks said. “We had a huge fan turnout, and the team is finally playing as a unit. We’ve overcome a lot of mental mistakes in recent games, and tonight, they showed what they can truly do. I’m incredibly proud of our group and the support from our fans. It’s a wonderful start to our season and our home schedule.”

After falling behind 25-18 in the first set, The Tigers rallied in the second set by overcoming a series of Miles errors and benefiting from Aeraeonna Manuel’s kills to even the match at 1-1.

Erin Nelson secured the set with an ace, marking the Tigers’ first set win on their home court.

The momentum then shifted in Stillman’s favor in the third set as the Tigers clawed ahead from a 15-14 lead with an 11-3 run. The Tigers went on to clinch the set with a final push that included kills from Manuel, Patterson, and Paige Eason, along with two service aces from Eason.

In the fourth set, Stillman continued its domination with contributions from five different players in kills and three players recording aces.

The Tigers finished strong with a 25-14 win, leading by as many as 11 points.

Stillman’s attack was led by Manuel with seven kills, followed by Patterson, Katelyn Lawson, and Ava Cameron, each with six.

Brianna Moore added five kills. Erin Nelson and Kelis Conley delivered 16 and 14 set assists, respectively.

The Tigers registered 14 total service aces, including five each from Eason and Nelson.

On the defensive side, Emily Powell logged 15 digs, while Eason and Conley each added 10, with Conley achieving her first double-double of the season.

The Tigers also set new single-match records in their NAIA era (2022-present) for points (57), kills (37), assists (25), and service aces (14).

Stillman College (1-5) will return to action this weekend as the team travels to Nashville for a tri-match at Fisk University.

The Tigers will face the Fisk Bulldogs at 11 a.m. in their HBCU Athletic Conference opener, followed by a 1 p.m. non-conference match against Brescia University.

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