February 2026 – Page 4

Our Lady of the Lake Baseball Gains National Recognition from Perfect Game

The Our Lady of the Lake Saints earned national recognition from Perfect Game with a 25* ranking, a nod that reflects both the results of the 2025 season and the growing respect for the program’s trajectory. Finishing 30–23 overall and fourth in the Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU continued a steady rise that has now produced two 30-win seasons in the last three years. What once felt like an under-the-radar climb is beginning to look more like a foundation for sustained success, with the Saints positioning themselves as an emerging force within the conference.

Head Coach Matt Piker had the following to say:

“This recognition is exciting for our program, young men, and our department. It’s the student-athletes that earn things like this with how they play and how they operate. Our focus, however, will continue to be on the next thing in front of us.”

The 2025 campaign showcased an offense that developed into one of the league’s most dangerous units and returns largely intact. Joshua Milton emerged as a late-season catalyst, leading the team with a .433 batting average after carving out a regular role. Jack Kalisky anchored the lineup as the Saints most complete hitter, batting .379 while leading the team in nearly every major offensive category, including 15 home runs. Carlos Gusman provided consistency and production at third base with a .353 average, Drew Saucedo brought speed and energy to the top of the order with a .321 average, 16 stolen bases, and 12 extra-base hits, and Benjamyn Hovda added depth and balance in the corner outfield after a solid .297 season. Together, that nucleus gives OLLU length, versatility, and the ability to pressure opponents throughout the lineup.

While the offense set the tone, the next step for the Saints lies on the mound. Donovan Gamez returns as the unquestioned ace after an 11–3 season with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 91 batters across 86 innings while allowing just 71 hits. His performance, followed by a dominant summer as a closer in the Western Canadian Baseball League, established him as one of the program’s most reliable arms. Behind him, the development of depth will be pivotal. Matthew Sanchez showed promise out of the bullpen, Christian Perez and Kalisky flashed swing-and-miss stuff, and transfer Noah Ferraro arrives from Dallas College Brookhaven with a proven track record, highlighted by a 2.06 ERA over 52⅓ innings. Additional transfers, Max Benton and Omar Rodriguez, further bolster competition and options within the staff.

Perfect Game’s 25* ranking underscores a season that was about more than wins and losses; it recognized a program building toward something bigger. With a productive offensive core, continuity on the coaching staff, and a pitching staff that has both a proven leader and growing depth, the Saints enter 2026 with momentum and belief. The pieces are in place for OLLU to turn national recognition into a true breakthrough and firmly establish itself as a contender in the Red River Athletic Conference.

OLLU Holds Strong to Tame Southwest Mustangs

Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball earned a hard-fought 72–68 victory over Southwest, using balanced scoring and timely defensive stops to pull out the win.

The Saints shot 47.5 percent from the field and placed multiple players in double figures, allowing them to withstand several Southwest runs throughout the game. Jermey Irwin led OLLU with 14 points, adding six rebounds and three assists while converting 4-of-5 attempts from the free-throw line. Barack Holland matched Irwin with 14 points off the bench, providing a key scoring lift in extended minutes.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop contributed 11 points on efficient shooting, while Santiago Ochoa recorded a strong all-around performance with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. OLLU controlled the glass with a 33–25 rebounding advantage, helping limit second-chance opportunities and maintain possession in critical stretches.

Defensively, the Saints forced 12 Southwest turnovers and held firm late despite strong individual performances from the opposition. Southwest was led by Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points, and EJay Scroggins, who added 17 points along with four assists and four blocks. However, missed free throws and OLLU’s defensive discipline down the stretch prevented Southwest from completing a comeback.

With steady contributions across the lineup and composure in closing moments, Our Lady of the Lake secured the four-point win and extended their win streak to three. The Saints will be back in action on Thursday night against North American at home.

Saints Continue Hot Streak with 81–56 Win Over Southwest

Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor, defeating Southwest 81–56 behind efficient shooting and strong rebounding.

The Saints established control early and maintained it throughout the contest, shooting 52.6 percent from the field and knocking down 10 three-pointers. OLLU’s balanced offensive attack featured four players scoring in double figures, led by Alexandra Westerdijk Martin, who finished with a game-high 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. She also dominated the glass with 14 rebounds, providing a steady interior presence on both ends.

Shayla Dede added 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists while playing 36 minutes, consistently creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. Macie Moss contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, and Evangeline Hernandez provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three made three-pointers. Samantha Fields was perfect from beyond the arc, going 3-for-3 on her way to nine points.

OLLU controlled the rebounding battle 44–20, limiting Southwest to just six offensive rebounds and few second-chance opportunities. The Saints also shared the ball effectively, recording 17 assists, with Isabella Jaramillo leading the way with six assists to go along with six rebounds.

Defensively, Our Lady of the Lake held Southwest to 22.7 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. Southwest was led by Karinna Ortiz, who scored 22 points, and Seniya Wilson, who added 16, largely from the free-throw line. However, consistent defensive pressure and disciplined team defense prevented Southwest from building any sustained momentum. Our Lady of the Lake secured a convincing victory and continued to show depth and balance across the lineup. The Saints now have won four in a row and look to extend that streak as they will go up against North American on Thursday at 5:30 PM CDT at home.

Homecoming 2026: Save the Date!

Our Lady of the Lake University is excited to welcome back Saints alumni, friends, and family for a celebration of 131 years of community & tradition at Homecoming 2026.

This will be a weekend full of fun events kicking off on Friday, February 27th, and running through March 1st. While more details will be available soon, we’d like to invite you to explore our alumni resources in the meantime, and look forward to inviting you all back to campus.

For the latest updates on Homecoming 2026, visit the official Homecoming page on the OLLU website. Stay tuned! Wings up!

OLLU Directors Liliana Gutierrez and Newman Wong Elected to TxAHEA Executive Committee

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to celebrate the leadership and service of Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Liliana Gutierrez, and Director of Institutional Research & Analytics, Newman Wong, who were recently elected to serve three-year terms on the Executive Committee of the Texas Association for Higher Education Assessment (TxAHEA).

Director of Institutional Research & Analytics, Newman Wong

This election is a proud moment for the entire OLLU community, as they will both now work to advance assessment practices in higher education, representing OLLU within a statewide professional organization committed to improving student learning and institutional effectiveness across Texas.

In addition to her role with TxAHEA, Liliana Gutierrez also currently serves on the Planning Committee for National Assessment Week as the South Representative. National Assessment Week brings together higher education professionals from across the country to share strategies, research, and best practices related to assessment and continuous improvement.

Congratulations to both Liliana Gutierrez and Newman Wong— the OLLU community is proud to be represented by their ongoing commitment to excellence in assessment, collaboration, and professional engagement.

A Message From President Chávez

Dear OLLU Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share that one of our beloved OLLUmni has been called home to God. Colonel Gil Coronado (BA ’75) passed peacefully on Saturday morning at the age of 89.

A proud son of San Antonio’s West Side, Gil was raised just down the street from our campus on Veracruz Street. His life story is one of resilience, grace, and providence. Though he dropped out of Sidney Lanier High School at the age of 15, God had other plans. Through the care and vision of one of our Sisters, a pathway was created for Gil to come to OLLU and complete his sociology degree, an education his superiors encouraged him to pursue for professional advancement. What emerged was not only a graduate of OLLU, but a leader whose legacy will be felt for generations.

Gil is affectionately and respectfully known as the father of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Through his vision, leadership, and tireless commitment, Public Law 100-402 was enacted on August 17, 1988, expanding National Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month and authorizing President Ronald Reagan to designate September 15 through October 15 annually as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I cannot overstate the national and cultural significance of his contribution.

As I remember Gil, I am deeply grateful to him for many reasons, but especially for his friendship. From the very first days of my arrival at OLLU, he welcomed me into his home and into his life. In every interaction, Gil embodied values that endure: respect for one another, meeting people eye to eye, holding one’s head and chin up, honoring one’s word through action, and being proud of one’s roots. He was always teaching, always mentoring—often reminding me to “retire early, and retire often,” his way of encouraging a full and faithful life.

Gil was also a steadfast champion for education. He believed deeply that success begins with education and he often spoke of the three Es: education, effort, and excellence. Last year, he published his memoir, Barrio Boy, a powerful reflection on his journey and the values that guided his life. In Barrio Boy, Gil recounts his story—from a troubled childhood and early encounters with the justice system to a life of public service, military leadership, and advocacy for veterans. His life is a testament to perseverance, dignity, and the transformative power of education. It is, in many ways, a lived and model expression of the boundless potential within each person when opportunity meets determination.

Colonel Gil Coronado was a model American citizen, a faithful servant, and a man of profound dignity.

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” (Wisdom 3:1)

Gil, dear friend—you will be deeply missed. May you rest in eternal peace.

With prayer and gratitude,

Abel

Resiliencia Student Exhibition Opens This Week

Visual & New Media Arts is proud to present Resiliencia, a group exhibition by the Barrio Art & Popular Culture class commemorating Segundo de Febrero.

Students enrolled in Barrio Art & Popular Culture were tasked with creating a 2-D work of art that answers the question, “What does resilience look like?”

They studied the history of Segundo de Febrero events and read pamphlets from the OLLU archives from early organizing efforts in the 1980s. They found the original intentions behind the commemoration of Segundo de Febrero to still be relevant today.

While creating their projects, students considered themes of resilience in the face of adversity, the birth of the Chicano, La Candelaria, Indigenous Blessings of the Seeds, and living in the Borderlands.

Each student approached their work in a distinct manner, and incorporated materials that would best get their point across.

This semester, Barrio Art & Popular Culture is working with the Service-Learning Department to help restore the historic mural, The Treaty, at Cassiano Homes with the original artists that painted it in 1980, Anastacio (Tachi) Torres and Juan Hernandez. They are looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with our Westside community and getting hands-on experience with mural painting.

We invite you to the opening on Wednesday, February 4th at 5pm in the Sueltenfuss Library Community Room. For more information, please contact Professor Gonzalez at sbgonzalez@ollusa.edu.

Saints Push UNT Dallas Wire to Wire in Hard-Fought Matchup

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball battled with resilience and effort but came up short in a 72–67 loss to UNT Dallas in a competitive contest that remained within reach throughout. Despite the final score, OLLU showed balance, toughness, and strong individual performances that reflected the team’s growth and composure.

The Saints were led offensively by Santiago Ochoa, who delivered an efficient and assertive performance. Ochoa finished with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, knocked down both of his three-point attempts, and pulled down nine rebounds, anchoring OLLU on both ends of the floor. His consistency kept the Saints in striking distance and set the tone for much of the game.

Barack Holland provided a strong spark off the bench, contributing 12 points in 17 minutes while shooting 5-of-8 from the field. Kenyon Elliott added 10 points and five rebounds, while Jermey Irwin chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, and two steals, showcasing OLLU’s effort on the glass and in transition. As a team, the Saints shot 43.3 percent from the field and were perfect at the free-throw line, converting all nine attempts.

Defensively, OLLU stayed active, recording seven steals and four blocks, with multiple players contributing to pressure and rim protection. While turnovers proved costly at key moments, the Saints continued to compete, matching UNT Dallas physicality and responding to scoring runs with poise.

Though the result did not fall in their favor, Our Lady of the Lake displayed discipline, depth, and strong execution against a tough opponent. The performance highlighted the Saints’ ability to compete at a high level and sets a solid foundation moving forward as they continue to build momentum throughout the season. The Saints will be back in action Thursday against Texas College at 7:30 PM CDT.

Our Lady of the Lake Holds Off UNT Dallas for 53–51 Victory

Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball earned a 53–51 victory over UNT Dallas, using balanced scoring, rebounding, and defensive pressure to secure the win.

OLLU shot 38.6 percent from the field (22-of-57) and held UNT Dallas to 34.5 percent shooting (20-of-58). The Saints also won the rebounding battle 41–34, including 13 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities.

Samantha Fields led OLLU with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, adding five rebounds, five steals, and two assists in 35 minutes. Macie Moss contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Amya Miller-Singleton provided a strong spark off the bench with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting and five rebounds in 14 minutes. Alexandra Westerdijk Martin filled the stat sheet with six points, a game-high 11 rebounds, four assists, and seven steals. Shayla Dede added five points, two assists, and a block, and Isabella Jaramillo finished with four points and four rebounds.

Defensively, OLLU forced 28 turnovers and recorded 16 steals, limiting UNT Dallas offensive rhythm throughout the game. The Saints committed 30 turnovers of their own, but offset them with rebounding and timely scoring.

OLLU went 5-of-7 from the free-throw line, while UNT Dallas shot 5-of-10. The Saints also knocked down four three-pointers to UNT Dallas six but made up the difference with interior scoring and rebounding. The win was sealed by OLLU’s defensive stops late, preserving the two-point margin at the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action next week against Texas College at home on January 29th at 5:30 PM CDT.

OLLU Men Roll Past Texas College

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a strong, complete performance in a 94–72 victory over Texas College, controlling the game with physicality on both ends of the floor.

OLLU set the tone early by attacking the paint and crashing the glass, finishing with a decisive 54–31 rebounding advantage. Kenyon Elliott anchored that effort with a double-double, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds while battling consistently inside. Isaiah Moore was nearly perfect offensively, scoring 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, giving the Saints a reliable presence in the lane.

The Saints offense flowed efficiently through multiple contributors. Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 15 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc and adding two steals in an active two-way effort. Off the bench, Barack Holland and Davonte Durst each provided 12 points, with Durst also dishing out six assists to keep the offense moving. OLLU finished with 22 assists on 35 made field goals, a clear reflection of unselfish play and disciplined execution.

Defensively, OLLU applied steady pressure and forced 20 Texas College turnovers, turning stops into transition opportunities. The Saints also recorded 12 steals as a team, disrupting rhythm and limiting Texas College’s ability to build sustained momentum. While Texas College was led by Jason Roseberry Jr.’s 21-point performance and Gelil Ward’s 20 points off the bench, OLLU consistently answered scoring runs and maintained control.

Depth proved to be a difference-maker, as OLLU received scoring contributions from 11 different players and outscored Texas College in efficiency and effort over the final stretch. Shooting 46.1 percent from the field and holding a clear advantage on the boards, the Saints steadily pulled away and closed the game with composure.

The win showcased OLLU’s ability to combine physical play, ball movement, and defensive intensity, reinforcing the team’s identity and momentum as the season continues. The Saints will be back in action Saturday against Jarvis Christian at 3:00 PM CDT.