Patriots Prepare for Challenging Week Three of Volleyball Competition
TYLER, Texas – The UT Tyler Patriots volleyball team enters Week Three poised for a demanding stretch of matches, following a strong start to the season fueled by key returning players adn veteran leadership. The team will look to build on early successes as they face tough competition, aiming to solidify their position in the Lone Star Conference.
head Coach Lyndsay Mashe, in her 10th season with the Patriots and 20th year as a head coach, boasts a 162-76 (.686) record at UT Tyler and an notable overall record of 360-198 (.645). Mashe is supported by her husband and Associate Head Coach Kris Mashe, who has been alongside her for her entire 20-year coaching career. This continuity and experience are expected to be crucial as the Patriots navigate a challenging schedule.
Leading the offensive charge will be three key returners: Kota Hartman, Autumn Perry, and Jackie Velzis. Hartman, the reigning LSC Newcomer of the Year, led the team with 399 kills and a .216 hitting percentage, averaging 3.87 kills per set in 2024. Perry and Velzis are also expected to contribute considerably to the team’s attack.
Setting up the offense is saige Rivera, the Preseason LSC Setter of the Year, who totaled 995 assists last season, averaging 9.85 assists per set. Rivera also demonstrated her versatility with 24 service aces.
Through the opening weekends, Autumn Perry currently leads the Patriots with 89 kills, while Maya Jones boasts a team-leading .286 attack percentage among players with over 20 kills. Saige Rivera has distributed 151 assists, and Anna Arceneaux has recorded 93 total digs. Seven of the ten players who played at least 70 sets last season are returning, forming one of the strongest returning classes in recent seasons for UT Tyler.
