AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia Texas volleyball team concluded the 2026 regular season with a three-set loss to Texas Lutheran University (18-25, 12-25, 18-25) on Sunday afternoon inside the Deb & Don Christian Fieldhouse.
The afternoon was highlighted by a career milestone for senior Aniyah Tompkins, who reached 1,500 career assists in her final regular-season match. Tompkins finished the contest with 11 assists, six digs, one kill and a service ace, adding another accomplishment to her collegiate career as the Tornados prepare for postseason competition.
Brooklynne Fitzgerald led Concordia with nine kills and 11 digs while adding a service ace and a block assist. Aubrey Hughes followed with eight kills on a .222 hitting percentage, while Samantha Taylor contributed six kills on a .217 hitting percentage.
Defensively, Jade Romero recorded a team-high 14 digs, while senior Presley Bunting added nine digs.
The setting duo of McKinley Grimm and Tompkins combined for 23 assists, with Grimm recording 12 assists and eight digs.
Concordia opened the match battling Texas Lutheran in a competitive first set that featured five ties and two lead changes. The Tornados registered 11 kills but were unable to overcome the Bulldogs' offensive attack, falling 25-18.
Texas Lutheran carried its momentum into the second set, hitting an efficient .630 with 18 kills and just one attacking error. Concordia responded with nine kills on a .207 hitting percentage, but the Bulldogs claimed the frame 25-12 to take a 2-0 advantage.
The Tornados continued to compete in the third set, recording 10 kills and keeping the frame competitive early. However, Texas Lutheran pulled away to secure another 25-18 victory and complete the sweep.
Concordia finished the match with 30 kills, 29 assists, 53 digs and two service aces. The Tornados hit .121 as a team, while Texas Lutheran recorded 51 kills on a .325 hitting percentage.
The contest also served as Senior Day for Concordia, as the program recognized Presley Bunting, Gaby Gracia, Aniyah Tompkins and Madeline Vaughn for their contributions to the Tornados volleyball program.
Despite the setback, the Tornados have secured their first postseason appearance since 2021. CTX will enter the conference tourney as the five-seed and will face Austin College in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Tournament quarterfinals.
The SCAC Tournament will be hosted by LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. The Tornados will take on the Roos in the opener on Friday, November 13th. First serve is scheduled for 10:30am.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX volleyball program, follow us on social media @ctxathletics and visit athletics.concordia.edu.
