NASHVILLE- The Tennessee State University Tiger Volleyball Team is enjoying a great run this season. After being picked last in the preseason poll in the Ohio Valley Conference, they became the postseason OVC champions with a five-set victory over the defending champion SEMO Redhawks. One of the main reasons for the great season is their strong defense led by libero Gina Rivera-Ortiz who in the championship game became the OVC career leader in digs.

"We have developed a winning culture here and Gina has been an important part of our success," said head coach Donika Sutton. "She believes that she can get to every ball that comes over the net. We pride ourselves on defense. If a ball goes past our blockers, we have confidence that someone in the back row will receive it. Gina has done that over 2600 times for us. That is impressive."

Rivera-Ortiz's 2,628 digs surpassed Kasey Elswick of UT-Martin who scooped up 2,606 digs in her career. Last season, the grad student became the all-time career leader in TSU history in digs. Her 731 digs this season gives her the single season record as well. The records are nice according to Rivera-Ortiz but winning the OVC championship is what she wanted the most. 

"I would say that all of this is unbelievable but I would be lying," said Rivera-Ortiz. "Everything accomplished in my career is believable because it is result of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. I am grateful for my career here and wouldn't trade it for anything. The day I committed to TSU I made a promise to help lead us to a championship. We deserve this so now I can leave in peace."