SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 16, 2024) - Head Coach Scott Mattera led the Our Lady of the Lake University(OLLU) volleyball team to his second Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Championship Tournament Title and the first since 2020. During Mattera's tenure at OLLU, he has guided the Saints to four regular-season titles and four postseason finals. Earlier this season, he reached a significant milestone when he surpassed 200 wins and now sits at 209. He is also the program's winningest coach.

The Saints' triumphant victory over Texas A&M University (TAMUT) in three sets is a testament to their strength and determination. The Eagles, who have won 21 matches this season, with 15 by the score of 3-0, suffered their only loss in the conference to OLLU back on Sept. 21, when the Saints emerged victorious with a score of 3-1. Today's win marks the first time the Eagles have lost in straight sets against conference opponents.

History

Overall, the Saints are 5-2. The teams split the season in September, with the Saints losing the first match 3-0.  The Saints won the tournament in 2015, 2016, and 2017 under then-Head Coach Jeremiah Tiffin and once under Mattera in 2020.

Tournament overview

The Eagles, as the No. 1 seed, and OLLU, as the No. 2 seed, faced a challenging path to the finals. No. 4-seed Louisiana Christian University (LCU) and No. 5 Paul Quinn College battled it out, with LCU emerging victorious to face TAMUT in the first semifinals match. No. 3-seed Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) also fought hard, defeating No. 6-seed Jarvis Christian University to advance to the semifinals against OLLU. This journey to the finals was filled with intense competition and showcased the strength of each team.

TAMUT first defeated LCU 3-0, and OLLU defeated XULA 3-1, and the two teams advanced to the finals.

Match overview

The Saints won the first set 25-23. OLLU tallied 14 kills and six errors on 44 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .182. The Eagles added 13 kills and nine errors on 42 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .095.

In the second game, OLLU won 25-20, and the Saints recorded 10 kills on eight errors in 40 attacks for a .050 hitting percentage. TAMUT came out even with eight kills and eight errors on 39 attacks for a hitting percentage of zero.

In the third period, the Saints had 12 kills on four errors in 33 attacks, for a hitting percentage of .242. The Eagles fared better, with 14 kills and four errors in 37 attacks, for a hitting percentage of .270.

Overall, the Saints recorded 36 kills and 18 errors on 117 attacks, for a .154 hitting percentage. The team also had 34 assists, five aces, and 57 digs.

The Eagles had similar stats: 35 kills, 21 errors on 118 attacks, and a hitting percentage of .119. The team also had 34 assists, two aces, 58 digs, and seven blocks.

Individual leaders

Anais Velasquez's outstanding performance, leading the Saints with 10 kills on 21 attacks and earning the 2024 RRAC Tournament MVP and All-Tournament Winner titles, is a source of pride for the team and the OLLU community. Her achievement is a testament to the team's dedication and talent.

Camila Ramirez tallied seven kills and also earned All-Tournament honors.

Lauren Reynard added 16 assists to earn All-Tournament, while Tina Trevino recorded 19 digs and also earned All-Tournament honors.

TAMUT's Alanna Deering added seven kills and earned All-Tournament honors. Teammate Paulina Dobreva had eight kills and earned All-Tournament recognition.

Zoe Martinez led her team in assists with 17 and 13 digs. Mia Mata added 16 digs for her team.

Other All-Tournament winners were Kamea Uitenham from XULA and Kierra Jones from LCU.

What's next

The Saints have qualified for their first NAIA National Championship Tournament berth since 2020. The NAIA Selection Show will take place on Nov. 18 at noon. The university will host a watch party in UWAC Room 104, and all are welcome to attend. The show will reveal who the Saints will face for the opening round and where the match will take place. The match is scheduled for Nov. 23 at campus sites.

The winners of the opening round will advance to the Pool Play competition, which will be held Dec. 4-10 at the Tysons Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Hear from Head Coach Scott Mattera and watch highlights