Month: February 2026

OLLU Powers Past St. Mary’s In Two-Game Sweep

The Our Lady of the Lake University softball team delivered a commanding two-game sweep over the St. Mary’s University Rattlers, combining timely hitting and steady pitching to secure 7-2 and 9-6 victories.

In the opener, the Saints set the tone early and never relinquished control behind a balanced offensive attack that produced 12 hits. Arianna Alejandro sparked the lineup with two runs scored, while Boston Tijernia powered the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Marisa Rosales turned in one of the game’s standout performances, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and an RBI as part of a two-run effort.

Yezenia Perez added a triple and drove in a run, and Novalee Gloria contributed a pair of hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Reanna Aguirre and Alyssa Guzman each brought in a run as the Saints capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Inside the circle, Annika Litterio delivered a complete-game performance to earn the win and improve to 4-1 on the season. She scattered seven hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out seven across seven innings, throwing 128 pitches with 76 strikes. 

The Saints carried that offensive rhythm into game two, erupting for nine runs on 12 hits to complete the sweep. Alejandro once again ignited the lineup, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Tijernia delivered the biggest blow of the afternoon, going 2-for-5 with a double and four RBIs to anchor the offense.

Yezenia Perez continued her strong series with two hits and three RBIs, while Alyssa Guzman went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and scored once. Reanna Aguirre added two runs, and the Saints drew four walks to keep pressure on the Rattlers’ pitching staff.

Valeria Vielma earned the win in the circle for the Saints, moving to 2-0 after working four innings with five strikeouts. Litterio returned in relief to secure her first save of the season, allowing one run over three innings while striking out two to close out the 9-6 victory.

Across both games, Our Lady of the Lake combined disciplined at-bats with consistent pitching to outscore the Rattlers 16-8. The Saints will be back in action this weekend against Xavier (LA) in a series at New Orleans starting on Friday. 

Message From the President

Dear OLLU Community,

As I walked early this morning, I reflected on the week that was, the conversations I was invited into, the decisions we made, the processes that led to those decisions, the alignment of my actions with the stewardship of this calling, and the smiles I was blessed to give and receive. That memory alone gave me hundreds of reasons to smile once more.

A few steps ahead of me, I noticed a rectangular object on the ground. At the same time, my attention turned to the beautiful serenading duo of what I believe to be the Purple Martin and the Northern Cardinal. Their arrival some fifteen days ago has signaled the onset of spring, and though they are unaware of it, their song, like clockwork just before 6:00 a.m., lifts my soul each morning.

The rectangular object was a one-dollar bill.

I picked it up and continued my walk, admiring its texture. The almost denim-like weave of the paper was especially notable this morning. As I studied it, I could see the cross-threading of the pulp while George Washington stared back at me. It was as if, in that quiet moment, our nation’s first president spoke to me about his motto of integrity, duty, courtesy, and honesty.

Close-up of back side of 1 dollar bill
By Ruslan

When I turned the bill over, my eyes were drawn to two simple but powerful inscriptions: In God We Trust and E Pluribus Unum.

I smiled again.

E Pluribus Unum: “out of many, one.” From the founding of our nation in 1776, this phrase captured the bold aspiration of uniting diverse colonies, peoples, and perspectives into one shared purpose. Diversity held together by shared values. Many, moving together as one.

As a Catholic university, our congregational founders remind us that we are “rooted in profound confidence in God’s providential love and care for all.” We are all called to further the mission of Jesus. We are all called to unity without uniformity. To conviction without division. To purpose without pride.

At the moment, higher education stands at a crossroads. National enrollments continue to decline. Questions about the value of higher education surface weekly. The pace of change is accelerating. And yet, education remains one of the most powerful equalizers. Education transforms generations. It expands opportunity. It forms citizens. It dignifies lives, service, and work. It lifts families.

I am hard-pressed to think of another institution with the opportunity that stands before us at Our Lady of the Lake University. We have the opportunity, and obligation, to sharpen our mission with focus, to respond boldly to the needs of our time, and to credential learners so they may build livelihoods based on their values. All through a distinctive OLLU way.

E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.

We come from different neighborhoods, disciplines, backgrounds, experiences, aspirations, perspectives—and we are united by something deeper. We trust in God. We believe in human dignity. We commit ourselves to excellence. And we move forward, together, as one.

May we model, at our very core, what it means to be children of God who serve, who care, and who lift one another, who lift our students, toward a higher calling.

With gratitude. With resolve. With love.

A New Year, A New Approach

On Thursday, February 26, during the community hour of 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., President Abel Chávez will present to faculty and staff the higher education landscape. A thought-provoking presentation that looks at national and local demographics, opinions on higher ed, and OLLU’s comparative standing in San Antonio.

This will be an in-person, brown bag gathering in San Antonio; Houston and RGV campuses will be provided a TEAMS link to attend virtually. Your presence is necessary in shaping a thoughtful direction. As a steward of our university, please join your colleagues for this presentation.

RSVP’s are required. The specific location on campus for San Antonio will be shared soon.

Homecoming 2026: Rooted in Tradition, United for the Future

Mark your calendars! Homecoming 2026 is set for February 27 – March 1, and Our Lady of the Lake University is excited to welcome back Saints alumni, friends, and family for a special celebration of 131 years of community and tradition.

This year’s Homecoming promises a full weekend of festivities, beginning Friday, February 27, and continuing through Sunday, March 1. From beloved traditions to opportunities to reconnect with classmates, faculty and fellow Saints, the weekend will showcase the spirit and legacy that make OLLU so special.

To view the schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, OLLU’s online silent fundraising auction, and donations, visit our Homecoming 2026 Webpage below!

Homecoming 2026 Details

Spirit Week: Celebrating Our Familia | February 23–26

Spirit Week is here, and the Center for Student Involvement — through the leadership of SGA and the Saints Programming Board (SPB) — invites the OLLU community to gather in celebration of our shared identidad.

Rooted in tradition, orgullo, and comunidad, Spirit Week is fully student-programmed and intentionally designed to strengthen belonging across campus. Research consistently affirms what we know to be true at OLLU: when students feel seen, connected, and valued, they are more likely to thrive. This week creates those moments.

Saints street eats

The celebration begins Monday with Saints Street Eats, as SGA sponsors the Mr. Meximum Food Truck in Library Circle from 4:00–6:00 p.m. The first 50 student meals will be provided at no cost, offering an accessible and welcoming space for students to connect and build community.

Honoring the legacy

On Tuesday, we will gather in Renaissance Parlor during community hour for Honoring the Legacy. Participants will write personal notes of gratitude to the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) Sisters — a meaningful act that bridges past and present and honors the women whose faith and leadership continue to shape our misión.

Champions Breakfast

Wednesday morning shifts the focus to appreciation. During Champions Breakfast from 9-11, students will host a Faculty and Staff Appreciation event in Renaissance Parlor, offering complimentary bagels and words of thanks to the faculty and staff who invest daily in student growth and success.OLLU Saints

Saints Showdown

Spirit Week concludes Thursday with Saints Showdown in the UWAC. This student field day brings camaraderie, class pride, and shared energía into one culminating experience, reinforcing the joy and unity that define our campus culture.

More than a series of events, Spirit Week reflects the power of student leadership and the importance of creating intentional spaces for connection. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate throughout the week as we strengthen our sense of belonging and celebrate what makes OLLU distinct: tradition, pride, and familia.

Saints Showdown: Be An Athlete for a Day – Feb. 26

As part of Spirit Week at Our Lady of the Lake University, Saints Showdown invites undergraduate students to step onto the field and be an athlete for a day — no experience required.

Hosted by SPB and held in the UWAC gym, this athlete-themed event brings classic field day competition indoors, giving students the chance to face off in tug of war, relay races, and other throwback-style games. It’s friendly rivalry, high energy, and Saints pride in motion.

More than just competition, Saints Showdown is about participation and community. Rally your classmates, reprsent your year, and enjoy an afternoon of movement, laughter, and connection. Free pizza will fuel the fun, and participants will receive custom Saints Showdown swag created specifically for this event.

At the end of the day, one grad year will raise the Champions Cup and claim campus bragging rights.

Spirit Week is about celebrating the OLLU familia, and Saints Showdown adds an athletic edge to that celebration.

Undergraduate students can sign up by grad year. Teams are forming now.

Sunday, March 1 Liturgy Update: Join Us for the Homecoming Alumni Mass

Please note an important update to our Sunday liturgy schedule.

In lieu of the regularly scheduled 7:00 p.m. evening liturgy, all members of the OLLU community are invited to gather for the Homecoming Alumni Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, which will honor the Class of 1976 Our Lady of the Lake University graduates and the Class of 1966 Our Lady of the Lake High School graduates.

Women’s Tennis Falls To Rattlers

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s tennis team faced a determined Saint Mary’s University squad in a hard-fought match that reflected both the resilience and competitive spirit of the Saints. Although the final result favored Saint Mary’s, OLLU demonstrated poise, perseverance, and flashes of brilliance throughout the contest.

Doubles play opened the afternoon with tightly contested battles on every court. At No. 1 doubles, Anja Pisar and Maeva Chambon challenged Selina Wu and Gia Posito with steady rallies and strong net presence, ultimately falling 6–3 in a match that showcased their growing chemistry. The No. 2 pairing of Marie Peters and Ely Laure pushed even closer, engaging in extended exchanges and keeping the score tight before Saint Mary’s edged them 7–5. OLLU secured a highlight at No. 3 doubles, where Michaela Muller and Carolina Guerrero executed with confidence and composure to earn a 7–5 victory, demonstrating the depth and competitive edge within the Saints lineup.

In singles play, OLLU continued to compete with determination against a disciplined Saint Mary’s team. Carolina Guerrero faced a tough opponent at No. 1 singles, battling through long points despite a 6–2, 6–2 result. Anja Pisar and Marie Peters encountered similarly challenging matches at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, each fighting for momentum against consistent opposition.

The brightest moment of the day came from Ely Laure at No. 4 singles. After dropping the first set in a tiebreak, Laure responded with grit and focus, taking control of the second set 7–0 in a dominant tiebreak performance. She carried that momentum into the deciding set, closing it out 6–3 to earn a well-deserved three-set victory. Her performance embodied the resilience and competitive heart that define the OLLU program.

Maeva Chambon also showed remarkable determination at No. 5 singles, extending her match into a third set after claiming a hard-fought second-set tiebreak. Though the final set narrowly slipped away, her effort underscored the team’s refusal to back down. Michaela Muller competed steadily at No. 6, engaging in physical rallies and demonstrating composure throughout her match.

While the final team score did not fall in OLLU’s favor, the Saints left the courts with valuable experience and clear signs of progress as they start their season. 

Saints Rally Falls Just Short in 3–2 Battle with Huston-Tillotson


Our Lady of the Lake battled until the final out but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Huston-Tillotson, as early runs proved to be the difference despite a resilient effort from the Saints pitching staff and flashes of timely hitting.

The tone of the afternoon was set in the opening frames when Huston-Tillotson capitalized on its early opportunities. Mason Krahn drew the start for OLLU and worked through traffic, but the Rams strung together three runs in the first two innings. Tucker Allen led the charge, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Noah Alvarez added an RBI of his own, and Danny Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to account for the third run. Huston-Tillotson managed six hits on the day, but their ability to convert early chances ultimately separated the two clubs.

From that point forward, OLLU’s pitching steadied the contest and gave the Saints every opportunity to rally. Josh Ruiz delivered a dominant relief appearance, tossing 5 scoreless innings while striking out nine and allowing just two hits. Ethan Garza followed with two shutout frames, fanning three more. Together, the trio limited the Rams to six hits and struck out 14 batters, keeping the deficit within reach throughout the afternoon.

Offensively, the Saints found momentum midway through the game. Christian Martinez sparked the lineup with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double, and scored one of OLLU’s two runs. Carlos Gusman showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks and crossing home as well. The Saints finished with five hits and worked four walks, pressuring the Rams’ bullpen in the later innings.

After Nathaniel Davila held OLLU to two hits across five scoreless innings with six strikeouts, the Saints broke through against reliever Adrian German. Taking advantage of defensive miscues, OLLU pushed across two unearned runs to narrow the margin to one. However, despite placing runners on base and threatening late, the Saints stranded seven and were unable to deliver the tying hit.

Benjamin Hovda and Jacob Cueva each contributed a hit, while CaliEvan Billela-Barstow added another and swiped a base to ignite a late push. Still, the Rams bullpen combination of Chris Rodriguez and Evan Mendoza closed the door, striking out three over the final 2 innings to secure the narrow victory.

The Saints will be back in action this Friday at 2:00 PM CDT against John Melvin University in a weekend series. 

OLLU Sweeps Doubles Early, Seals Match with Singles Wins

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a strong overall performance against Collin County Community College, earning key victories across the lineup to secure an impressive team win built on depth and composure.

The Saints set the tone early in doubles play, capturing the crucial doubles point with a sweep on all three courts. At No. 1 doubles, Corentin Fusaro and Jacob Gailey controlled the match from the outset, earning a 6-3 victory behind steady serving and confident net play. Jaroslav Majsajdr and Matis Nuziere followed with a commanding 6-2 win at No. 2, dictating tempo with aggressive baseline consistency. The most tightly contested battle came at No. 3, where Eliott Costa and Bastien Prod’homme edged their opponents 7-6, showing poise in the tiebreak to complete the sweep.

In singles, the Saints continued to apply pressure. Majsajdr delivered a composed straight-sets win at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-3, controlling rallies and limiting unforced errors. Fusaro added another point at No. 4 with a 6-4, 6-2 decision, while Nuziere was dominant at No. 6, conceding just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 performance.

Bastien Prod’homme showcased resilience at No. 3 singles. After taking the first set 6-2 and dropping the second 4-6, he regrouped and secured the decisive third set 6-4, demonstrating mental toughness in the closing games.

At No. 1 singles, Gabriel Nogueira represented the Saints in a tightly contested three-set battle. After winning the opening set 6-3, he pushed the second set to 5-7 before competing in a deciding match tiebreak. Though the match ultimately favored Collin County’s Luis Andre Oliva, Nogueira’s effort reflected the competitive intensity at the top of the lineup.

Eliott Costa also faced a demanding three-set contest at No. 5. After splitting two close sets, the match was decided in a match tiebreak that narrowly went to Collin County. Despite the result, Costa’s endurance and fight highlighted the Saints depth as they start the bulk of their season.