Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a composed and confident performance as they swept Xavier (LA) to earn their place in tomorrow’s championship match. With a steady rhythm that grew stronger as the afternoon progressed, OLLU controlled the match 25–23, 28–26, 25–19, showcasing both resilience under pressure and the offensive balance that has defined their best volleyball this season.
OLLU’s attack was anchored by Anais Velazquez Figueroa, whose 17 kills on a .400 hitting percentage set the tone at the net. Mia Francis added 13 kills of her own, consistently finding ways to score even as rallies tightened. Setter Lauren Reynard guided the offense with precision, recording 38 assists while keeping Xavier’s block off balance. Her distribution allowed multiple hitters to find rhythm, helping OLLU outpace Xavier across all three sets.
Defensively, the Saints were steady and disciplined. Nicole Bir contributed key touches at the net with six block assists, and the back row, led by Reynard, Castillo, and Saldana, absorbed pressure and limited Xavier’s opportunities to sustain momentum. Though Xavier had moments of surge, especially behind the strong hitting of Taylor Parker and Kamea Uitenham, OLLU’s consistency and poise in late-set situations carried them through.
The Saints now advance to tomorrow’s championship match at 1:00 PM, where they will face the winner of Texas A&M–Texarkana and Louisiana Christian. After a controlled and confident semifinal performance, OLLU moves forward with momentum and a clear competitive edge as they prepare for their shot at the title.