COMMERCE, Texas - The Texas Southern University volleyball team opened the 2026 season Friday evening, falling to East Texas A&M, 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-9), at the Field House.

The Tigers battled throughout the opening set, holding an 11-6 advantage before East Texas A&M responded with a run to take control. TSU remained within striking distance late in the set, but the Lions closed out the frame, 25-20.

East Texas A&M carried its momentum into the second set, building an early advantage and eventually taking the frame, 25-16. The Lions continued their offensive pressure in the third set, hitting .458 while closing out the match with a 25-9 victory.

Selana Morales led the Tigers offensively with five kills and added six digs and one service ace. Ava Houston finished with four kills while Gracie Lee contributed three kills. Keldri Young and Aaliyah Brown each recorded two block assists, while Aliyah Spencer added a block.

Kadence Davison directed the TSU offense with 12 assists, while Kennedi Walker added six assists. Lauanna Pino paced the defensive effort with 12 digs, followed by Lauren Battle with seven and Morales with six.

East Texas A&M was led by Ariana Brown, who recorded a match-high 14 kills on .387 hitting while adding 10 digs. Sabine Wenzel contributed eight kills, and Haley Mullaney finished with five kills and a match-high 22 assists.

As a team, East Texas A&M held a 41-22 advantage in kills and hit .310 compared to TSU's .047. The Lions also held a 10-1 edge in service aces.