LONGVIEW, Texas – The Concordia University Texas volleyball team made its long-awaited return to postseason play in impressive fashion, sweeping Austin College 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 27-25) in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Tournament Quarterfinal on Friday morning at Solheim Arena.
Playing in its first postseason match since the fall 2021 season, Concordia secured its first postseason victory and sweep since the spring 2021 campaign, which was played during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tornados (11-14) were led by Brooklynne Fitzgerald, who recorded a match-high nine kills, 18 digs, three service aces and four block assists. Katherine Dedear and Samantha Taylor added eight kills apiece, while McKinley Grimm dished out 18 assists and registered a match-high four service aces.
Concordia established its offensive rhythm early, recording 13 kills on a .296 hitting percentage in the opening set. The Tornados limited Austin College to eight kills and a .167 hitting percentage to claim the first set, 25-18.
The Tornados continued their momentum in the second frame, producing a match-high 15 kills while hitting .256. Concordia's defense held the Kangaroos to a .025 hitting percentage, forcing seven attacking errors en route to another 25-18 victory and a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Austin College battled to extend the match in the third set, which featured 12 ties and six lead changes. However, the Tornados remained composed in the tightly contested frame, edging the Kangaroos 27-25 to complete the historic postseason sweep.
Concordia finished with 39 kills compared to Austin College's 26, while holding a .205 to .037 advantage in hitting percentage. The Tornados also dominated from the service line with 11 aces and collected 55 digs.
Aubrey Hughes contributed six kills on a team-best .357 hitting percentage and five block assists, while Kennedy Carter chipped in five kills on a .286 clip. Aniyah Tompkins added 11 assists, and Presley Bunting and Jade Romero each recorded 10 digs.
Concordia Texas will next take on top-seeded Texas Lutheran in the SCAC Semifinal today. First serve is scheduled for 4pm.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX volleyball program, follow us on social media @ctxathletics and visit athletics.concordia.edu.
