Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a pair of matches that tested both resilience and execution. The Saints dropped a tightly contested opener against Oklahoma City University before bouncing back with a thrilling sweep of Embry-Riddle (AZ), securing the first collegiate head coaching win for Coach Swain.
In the morning match, the Saints faced a battle-tested Oklahoma City squad and came up just short in all three sets, falling 3-0 with scores of 26-24, 25-21, and 26-24. Despite the loss, the Saints displayed grit and poise throughout, staying within striking distance in every frame. Our Lady of the Lake finished the match with 41 kills and 113 total attempts, while committing 22 errors. Mia Francis and Anais Velasquez led the attack with 10 kills apiece. Lauren Reynard orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs. The Saints also registered 8 team blocks and 3 service aces in a performance that showed promise despite the final result.
Later that day, the Saints returned to the court energized and determined, sweeping Embry-Riddle in three sets—though the final score didn’t come easily. After controlling the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, the Saints found themselves in a marathon third set, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 35-33 win and close out the match 3-0. It marked the first victory of the season for the Saints and a milestone moment for Coach Swain, who earned her first collegiate head coaching win in front of an electric crowd of 421 fans.
Anais Velasquez once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, continuing her strong start to the season. Reynard dished out 34 assists, while Nicole Bir stepped up defensively with 5 blocks at the net. Villarreal Bermea was a force in the back row, collecting 13 digs to lead the team. As a group, the Saints improved significantly in the second match, finishing with 47 kills, just 12 errors, 35 assists, 49 digs, and 13 total blocks.
Reflecting on the team’s first win, Coach Swain said, “I’m incredibly proud of how the team fought today, especially in that final set. It was a true test of our resilience and teamwork. This win is just the beginning—we’re excited to keep building and competing hard every match.”