OLLU Volleyball Excited to Release 2023 Fall Schedule
SAN ANTONIO (May 3, 2023) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) volleyball team announces the 2023 fall schedule for its 17th season in the NAIA. The Saints compete in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) along with Huston-Tillotson University (HTU), the University of the Southwest (USW), Paul Quinn College (PQC), Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), Jarvis Christian University (JCU), Louisiana Christian University (LCU), Texas College and Texas A&M University – Texarkana.
Three tournaments
(Numbers in parenthesis are all-time records)
The season begins with the Second Annual Alamo City Volleyesta Tournament from Aug. 17-19. Teams participating include Bellevue University (0-1), Loyola University (2-1), Jamestown University and Texas Wesleyan University (9-10).
The following week – Aug. 25-26 – the Saints will host the Fourth Annual San Antonio ShinDig Tournament featuring Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) (10-9), Carrol University and Oklahoma City University (2-2).
The Saints will then travel to Omaha, Neb., for a tournament hosted by Bellevue University from Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The Saints will compete against Avila University, Central Methodist University, Dakota Wesleyan University and Indiana University – Kokomo.
Head Coach Scott Mattera commented, "We are so excited for the way our schedule lines up this coming fall. We've gotten commitments from some of the best teams in the country to not only play us but to do it on our home floor. That includes last year's national champions Jamestown University and perineal powers Bellevue, Carrol, SAGU and Oklahoma City!
"I really think it speaks to the reputation of our program that teams like this are willing to travel to play us. They know they are going to get competitive matches here that will help prepare them for play in their very strong conferences. The attractiveness of San Antonio as a destination city to bring a team certainly didn't hurt either and we can't wait to welcome these friendly rivals.
"Our team is hungry to play the best and see where we are. We had such a great run last year with such a heartbreak at the end. Our theme this offseason has been "leave no doubt" and jacking up our schedule it part of that!"
Conference schedule
OLLU begins its conference schedule Sept. 8-9 on the road in Tyler, Texas, against Texas College (24-0). The Saints return home to host JCU (19-0) Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 16 at noon.
The Saints well get back on the road for matches Sept. 22-23 against Paul Quinn College (7-0) in Dallas. The next five matches will be at home beginning on Sept. 29 against TAMUT (2-0) at 7 p.m. and Sept. 30 at noon. On Oct. 6, the Saints host USW (24-4) at 7 p.m. and at 11 a.m. on Oct. 7. The Saints will play a nonconference match against Schreiner University (16-3) later on Oct. 7 at 3 p.m.
The Saints will be on the road Oct. 20-21 for matches against Louisiana Christian University (4-0) in Pineville, La. On Oct. 27, the Saints will host Huston-Tillotson University (29-3) at 7 p.m. and on Oct. 28 at noon. Their final two matches will be on Nov. 3-4 against XULA (5-1) at home.
Conference tournament
The conference tournament will be hosted by XULA in New Orleans Nov. 10-11. The first round of nationals will be held at campus sites Nov. 18, and the final site of nationals will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 6 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Plans for home matches
The Saints will broadcast home matches on the OLLU Saints Network, and will feature live-stats. Links will be available on the volleyball schedule page.
General admission charge for all home matches is $10; free admission is available for OLLU faculty, staff and students. To inquire about joining the OLLU Halo Club and receive free admission, go here.
Mattera said, "I'm also excited to build on the match day atmosphere from last year with more events and activities surrounding each match. One of the highlights will be opening weekend "Volleyesta" which will include food and craft vendors, music and activities fiesta style outside of the Gym before, during and after the matches.
"We want OLLU Volleyball matches to be events that people look forward to and mark on their calendar. Loud crowds, fun activities, cheerleaders, drum lines, and passionate, strong young women playing an exciting brand of volleyball…sounds like a great night out for the whole family!"