Month: September 2025

Saints and Stars Battle to a 1-1 Draw in Non-Conference Clash

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints women’s soccer team opened their home slate with a competitive 1-1 draw against the Oklahoma City University (OCU) Stars on Wednesday afternoon.

The Saints struck early in the first half when Monicha Sanchez found the back of the net at the 7:36 mark, capitalizing on a strong offensive push. Sanchez led OLLU with two shots on goal, converting one into the opening score of the match.

Oklahoma City responded in the 29th minute, leveling the match at 1-1 with a goal at 28:27. Despite several opportunities on both ends, neither team could break the deadlock through the remainder of regulation.

OLLU outshot OCU 12-11, with the Saints placing 10 shots on target compared to the Stars 7. In goal, Salka Hrafns recorded four saves in the second half for the Saints, while London Suarez added one save in the first half to help preserve the tie.

The Saints will look to build on their performance as they continue their season with the next game being a scrimmage against St. Mary’s on Sunday.

OLLU Men’s Soccer Battles #16 Oklahoma City in Narrow 1-0 Defeat

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team put forth a determined effort against a nationally-ranked opponent on Thursday evening, falling 1-0 to No. 16 Oklahoma City University (OCU) at home.

The Stars found the back of the net late in the first half, capitalizing on a chance in the 44th minute. OCU’s lone goal, scored at the 43:49 mark, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

OLLU goalkeeper Zak Averns turned in a solid performance between the posts, registering four saves while facing 11 total shots from the OCU attack. The Saints managed six shots in total, with one shot on target.

Set pieces were evenly matched, with the Stars earning three corner kicks to the Saints two. Despite a strong defensive showing and moments of promise in the attacking third, the Saints were unable to break through OCU’s back line.

The Saints will look to regroup and build on this competitive performance as they continue their 2025 campaign Saturday at 12:00 PM at home against Science and Arts.

🚧 Demolition of St. Martin Hall Begins – A Step Toward OLLU’s Future 🚧

Beginning Monday, September 8, demolition of St. Martin Hall will commence as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize our campus. This project represents an exciting step forward in the continued development and commitment to OLLU.

Please note the following:

  • Lot K and the adjacent gated area will be closed for parking until further notice.
  • Construction activity will take place in and around the area throughout the project.
  • We ask all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to plan accordingly and respect posted signs and barriers for your safety.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we take this important step toward shaping the future of our campus.

Visit the campus virtual map if you have any questions.

In Memory of Professor Timothy Kitterman

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Professor Timothy Kitterman, an adjunct faculty member in American Sign Language. Tim was suddenly taken from us, leaving a profound void in our OLLU family.

Tim dedicated 25 years to teaching, with the last 15 years spent at MacArthur High School. At OLLU, he taught ASL I and II, sharing his knowledge and passion with our students and community. His commitment to education and his students will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

We especially hold in prayer Tim’s wife, Grace, and all who mourn his passing. We ask our Provident God to surround them with comfort, sustain them in their sorrow, and grant them strength through faith and community.

Please join us in giving thanks for Tim’s life, his service to our students, and the lasting impact of his work. May he rest in peace.

Reminder: Spirit Day 2025 on Thursday, September 11

OLLU will celebrate the new academic year with the annual Spirit Day Mass on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. During the celebration, we will also be recognizing and blessing our OLLU Dance Team, Cheer, and Drumline, who made school and national history, bringing home the 2025 NCA NAIA Game Day Division National Championship.

During Spirit Day, OLLU joins more than 200 Catholic universities across the nation in celebrating the tradition of calling on the Holy Spirit to bless the academic year. In addition, faculty and staff who are celebrating 10+ years of service to the university will be recognized. They have contributed a collective 190 years of service to OLLU and its students.

This year’s Spirit Day honorees are:

  • Farias, Louis – General Maintenance Journeyman (45 years)
  • Alvarado, Dominga C – Director of Disbursements (35 years)
  • Gomez, John P – Professor of Psychology (25 years)
  • Nino, Nikki M – Student Support Specialist (20 years)
  • Delgado, Melissa – Registrar (20 years)
  • Ibarra, Stella C – Student Employment Assistant (15 years)
  • Ramirez, Elena C – Financial Aid Counselor (10 years)
  • Mendez, Darian G – Graduate Admissions Specialist (10 years)
  • Hernandez, Naomi A – Associate Clinical Professor (10 years)

Classes are dismissed from 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. on Spirit Day to allow the community to attend this celebration.

OLLU’s Hrafns Recognized With First RRAC Women’s Soccer Award Of The Season

In RRAC women’s soccer, Our Lady of the Lake notched a win in its first game of the season on Friday with a freshman goalkeeper in net, but the Saints and Xavier are the only teams in the win column this season.

TAMUT and OLLU players were recognized as the weekly award winners for Aug. 18-24:

RRAC Offensive Player of the Week – Brooklyn Lattier, Texas A&M-Texarkana
Lattier found the net with the Eagles’ only goal in a 5-1 loss to NAIA No. 2 Keiser University (Fla.). The junior midfielder from Shreveport, La., was a first-team all-conference selection last year.  

RRAC Defensive Player of the Week – Salka Hrafns, Our Lady of the Lake
Hrafns collected the win in a 1-0 shutout victory over Schreiner University (Texas). The freshman goalkeeper from Akranes, Iceland, was making her first college appearance for the Saints.

Additional RRAC women’s soccer weekly nominees: Layla Anaya (A&M-Texarkana), Sacha Backus (LSU Alexandria), Sara Garza (Our Lady of the Lake), Yanira Herraez (LSU Alexandria), Laura Kucharz (LSU Shreveport).

2025 RRAC women’s soccer weekly selections:

DateOffensive Player of the WeekDefensive Player of the Week
Aug. 19-25Brooklyn Lattier (TAMUT)Salka Hrafns (OLLU)

This week in the RRAC

Both OLLU and Texas A&M-Victoria will host Oklahoma City University for matches, and LSU Shreveport is on the road at William Carey tonight. Texas A&M-San Antonio will have a crosstown match-up with Trinity, while OLLU will play St. Mary’s.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Mobile at Xavier, Lubbock Christian at Southwest, LSU Shreveport at William Carey

Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Tennessee Southern at LSU Alexandria, Texas Wesleyan at Jarvis Christian

Thursday, Aug. 28 – Oklahoma City at Our Lady of the Lake, Eastern New Mexico at Southwest, North American at Texas Southern

Friday, Aug. 29 – Texas A&M-San Antonio at Trinity

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Oklahoma City at Texas A&M-Victoria, North American at Paul Quinn, LSU Alexandria at Texas Wesleyan, Texas A&M-Texarkana at Nelson, LSU Shreveport at USAO

Sunday, Aug. 31 – St. Mary’s at Our Lady of the Lake, Schreiner at Southwest

OLLU Saints Softball Enters New Era with Jody Armijo Jr. as Head Coach

Jody Armijo Jr. brings over two decades of elite experience in fastpitch softball to his role as a coach, mentor, and program leader. A former competitive athlete himself, Armijo has spent the last six years as Assistant Coach at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), where his influence has helped transform the softball program into a national powerhouse. Under his guidance, the Saints have captured multiple conference championships, made two NAIA World Series appearances, and secured the 2024 NAIA National Championship.

A specialist in pitcher and catcher development, Armijo combines advanced data analysis, film breakdown, and modern training techniques to sharpen mechanics, improve pitch selection, and enhance in-game decision-making. His coaching has produced multiple standout athletes, including Conference Pitchers and Catchers of the Year, and notably, the 2024 NAIA National Pitcher of the Year. Beyond the field, he plays a critical role in scouting, recruiting, team operations, facility oversight, and travel planning—contributing to every layer of the program’s ongoing success.

With a rich background in men’s fastpitch softball at the state, national, and international levels, Armijo’s competitive drive and deep understanding of the game were forged through years of playing as a pitcher and infielder alongside some of the sport’s best. That same commitment now fuels his coaching. Currently studying Communications, he remains focused on developing as a leader while continuing to shape athletes and build programs rooted in excellence and growth.

“Our program is defined by a commitment to excellence and development, and Jody embodies that at every level,” said Athletic Director Tom Norris. “His leadership, work ethic, and knowledge of the game have played a major role in putting OLLU Softball on the national map.”

Armijo himself puts it simply: “My goal is to continue growing this program year after year, building on our success, and ensuring that our athletes and teams are prepared to achieve even greater things in the seasons ahead.”

🍴 You Spoke, We Listened: Welcome to CRAVE – OLLU’s New Dining Experience! 🍴

We Want to Hear From You!

Hey Saints! Your feedback is super important to us. As we continue testing the new ordering system in CRAVE, we want to make sure your voices shape the improvements. Remember—this system is only temporary. Soon, you’ll be able to order through GrubHub mobile and kiosks, making things faster and eliminating cafeteria wait times.

Thanks to your input, we’ve already made some changes:
✅ Larger portion sizes on many items
✅ More protein options in bowls
✅ BBQ sandwiches now come with sides (same price!)
✅ Breakfast all day

For now, here’s how the temporary ordering works:

  1. Pick from one of five menus at the end of the hall
  2. Mark your choice with a marker
  3. Write your name on the order slip
  4. Hand it to the cashier
  5. Grab your meal from the cubbies at the end of the line
  6. Enjoy! 🎉

Now we’d love to hear more from you—take a few minutes to fill out the survey and let us know what you think. Your feedback = a better dining experience for everyone!

Take The Survey Here

For more menu options, click here.