RUSTON – The Scott Mattera era gets underway this weekend as the Louisiana Tech Volleyball opens the 2025 season at the Southeastern Showdown, facing Jackson State, host Southeastern, and ULM.
 
MATCH INFORMATION
Match One
Friday, Aug. 29 | 10 a.m. CT | LA Tech vs. Jackson State
Match Two
Friday, Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. CT | LA Tech at Southeastern
Match Three
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 11 a.m. CT | LA Tech vs. ULM
 
Location: University Center (Hammond, La.)
Live Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats
Live Video: ESPN+ (SLU match only)
 
ABOUT LOUISIANA TECH
LA Tech enters the 2025 season under the direction of first-year head coach Scott Mattera.  He was named the 11th head coach in program history, having spent the last six seasons at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.
 
The Bulldogs had one tune-up this past Saturday, defeating Northwestern State 3-1 in an exhibition match in Natchitoches.  After dropping the first set to the Lady Demons, the 'Dogs reeled off three straight, showing late-set toughness to win 25-23, 26-24, and 25-23.
 
LA Tech returns a strong core this season, bringing back 76 percent of blocks, 72 percent of kills, 61 percent of digs, and 28 percent of assists from last year's squad.
 
The squad is on the older side with 10 upperclassmen – five seniors/graduates and five juniors.  One of those is Charlize Williams who returns as one of the nation's top blockers, averaging 1.24 blocks per set last season which tied the program's single-season record.  There is also Jailen Hurley who enjoyed a breakout junior campaign, posting career highs in kills (200), aces (14), digs (67), and blocks (52). 
 
Adding to that experience is also Giulia Bonifacio who returns after leading LA Tech with 219 kills last season.  She posted six matches with 10+ kills and 12 matches with double-digit digs. 
 
Then there is the addition of four freshmen – Emerson Taylor (setter), Sydnee Carter (setter), Ryan Rusher (outside hitter), and Zari Gillispie (middle blocker).
 
THE SERIES
LA Tech leads the all-time series versus Jackson State, 14-1.  The Bulldogs have won 10 straight over the Tigers with the last three coming via shutout.  The last matchup was in 2022 in Jackson with LA Tech prevailing 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-22).
 
The 'Dogs trail in the all-time series against Southeastern, 13-9.  The two programs have met in each of the last three seasons with the Lions coming out on top in all three, including last year's 3-1 decision in Ruston.  LA Tech's last win over SLU came in 2018.  This will be the first time the Bulldogs and Lions match up in Hammond since 2013.
 
LA Tech owns a 28-9 advantage over ULM, having won two straight and four of the last five.  The two teams last faced off twice during the 2022 season with the Bulldogs winning 3-2 in both contests. 
 
SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
Championships require championship resources.  Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the CHAMP fund, a revenue-sharing initiative designed to directly support LA Tech Athletics through NIL and marketing opportunities for Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes.  Visit BuildTheLegacy.com today.
 
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