Author: OLLUNewsletter

Ninth-ranked Our Lady of the Lake split a doubleheader against No. 5 Science and Arts, dropping the opener 6-3 before responding with a 7-2 victory.

In Game 1, Science and Arts capitalized on timely hitting to secure the win despite being outhit 11-7. The Drovers struck early and built a steady offensive rhythm behind multi-hit performances from Kinzie Williams and Jordan Ramsay. Ramsay drove in two runs and scored twice, while Malea McMurtrey added a pair of RBIs.

Our Lady of the Lake generated consistent traffic on the bases but struggled to convert opportunities, leaving 12 runners stranded. Lilly Rocha led the Saints with a perfect 4-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Boston Tijerina added two hits and scored a run. Caitlin Casas contributed a pair of RBIs, and Arianna Alejandro chipped in two hits of her own.

Science and Arts pitcher Aubree Ferguson earned the complete-game victory, allowing three runs on 11 hits while working around three walks. Annika Litterio took the loss for OLLU, surrendering five runs, four earned, over 3.2 innings of work.

The Saints bounced back in Game 2 with a more efficient offensive showing, scoring seven runs on six hits while taking advantage of six walks. Arianna Alejandro reached base four times and scored twice, while Lilly Rocha continued her strong day with two hits and two RBIs. Caitlin Casas and Yezenia Perez each drove in a run, and Tania Rodriguez delivered a key two-RBI contribution.

In the circle, OLLU combined for a strong outing from Valeria Vielma and Annika Litterio. Vielma allowed one run over 3.1 innings, and Litterio closed the door with 3.2 innings of relief, striking out six and allowing just one run to earn the win.

Science and Arts managed six hits in the second game, with Kinzie Williams and Maddy Baber each recording an RBI. However, nine strikeouts and limited opportunities with runners in scoring position hindered their ability to keep pace.

With the split, Our Lady of the Lake demonstrated resilience against a top-five opponent, bouncing back from a Game 1 setback with a decisive win to close the doubleheader.

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Our Lady of the Lake dropped a tightly contested matchup to Huston-Tillotson, falling 5-4 despite outhitting the Rams 9-7.

The Saints generated steady offense throughout the game, collecting nine hits and putting pressure on Huston-Tillotson pitching. Joshua Milton and Benjamin Hovda each drove in a run, while Christian Martinez provided a spark off the bench with a pinch-hit double and later came around to score.

Jack Kalisky also crossed the plate for OLLU, and Diego Zuniga and Hovda each recorded multi-hit performances to lead the Saints at the plate. OLLU showed aggressiveness on baserunning as well, swiping three bases in the contest.

Huston-Tillotson answered with timely hitting, scoring five runs on seven hits. Trey Garza led the way with two RBIs, while Noah Alvarez, Jaden Corzine and Kendall Brown each contributed a run batted in. The Rams capitalized on key opportunities late to pull ahead.

On the mound, OLLU received a strong start from Josh Ruiz, who allowed just two hits and no earned runs over three innings while striking out four. The Saints used a bullpen by committee the rest of the way, with Ethan Garza, Matthew Sanchez, Xavior Salazar and Nolan Nicholson combining to cover the final five innings. Sanchez was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in his inning of work.

Huston-Tillotson starter Bryce Sanchez earned the win, limiting OLLU to one earned run over six innings, while Adrian German secured the save with three innings of relief.

The Saints will be back in action this weekend as they will travel to take on defending national champions in LSU-Shreveport. 

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Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a commanding performance at home, securing a decisive 7–0 victory over the University of Dallas in women’s tennis competition. Competing as part of the NAIA Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU controlled the match from the opening doubles contests through the final singles point demonstrating composure across the lineup.

The Saints established early momentum in doubles play. The pairing of Muller and Guerrero set the tone at the No. 1 position with a clean 6–0 result, applying constant pressure and limiting opportunities for their opponents. At No. 2 doubles, Laure and Peters mirrored that dominance with another 6–0 victory, showcasing strong communication and efficient net play. With the doubles point secured, OLLU carried confidence into singles competition.

In singles, the Saints continued their sweep with disciplined and focused performances on every court. At No. 1, Guerrero controlled the pace throughout, earning a straight-sets win, 6–0, 6–2. Pisar followed with a flawless 6–0, 6–0 victory at No. 2, maintaining precision from the baseline. Laure and Peters each delivered identical 6–0, 6–0 results at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively, reinforcing the team’s dominance.

The lower half of the lineup remained equally strong. Chambon secured another straight-sets win at No. 5, 6–0, 6–0, while Muller was awarded the No. 6 match by default, closing out the final point of the contest.

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Our Lady of the Lake University men’s tennis team delivered a decisive performance at home, earning a 7–0 sweep over the University of Dallas. Competing with control throughout the match, OLLU established momentum early and maintained it across both doubles and singles play.

The Saints set the tone in doubles competition with strong showings across the courts. At the No. 1 position, Gailey and Olen secured a 6–3 victory, demonstrating effective coordination and steady shot-making. Jimenez and Castro followed with a 6–2 win at No. 2 doubles, extending the early advantage. The No. 3 doubles match was decided by default in favor of Bocquet and Ceolin, completing the doubles sweep and giving OLLU a firm lead heading into singles.

In singles play, the Saints continued their dominant form. Gailey earned a straight-sets victory at No. 1 singles, 6–1, 6–2, controlling the match from the baseline. Olen battled through a competitive contest at No. 2, ultimately securing the win in a match tiebreak, 6–0, 5–7, [10–7]. Castro added another straight-sets win at No. 3, 6–1, 6–2, maintaining pressure throughout.

Ceolin delivered a consistent performance at No. 4 singles, winning 6–2, 6–1, while Arzate matched that result at No. 5 with a 6–0, 6–0 victory. Bocquet was awarded the No. 6 singles match by default, sealing the final point of the contest.

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Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to welcome a new addition to its coaching staff, bringing more than two decades of experience, a passion for student-athlete development, and a commitment to building a strong and supportive athletic culture.

Originally from Americus, Georgia, where he was also raised, the new coach began his journey in athletics at Iowa Wesleyan College. His path into coaching was rooted in community involvement, starting more than 20 years ago as a basketball and youth football coach in his hometown. What began as a way to give back quickly evolved into a lifelong profession dedicated to mentorship, leadership, and competitive excellence.

Over the course of 23 years, he has built an extensive and diverse coaching resume. His experience includes time at Immanuel Christian School in California, Thomas University in Georgia, Thomas County Central High School, Brookwood School, Americus Sumter High School, and Lee County High School. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles, including Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Head Varsity Boys and Girls Track and Field Coach, Assistant Varsity Boys Football Coach, Assistant Women’s Flag Football Coach, and Head Middle School Boys Flag Football Coach. This wide-ranging background reflects both his adaptability and his deep understanding of athlete development across multiple sports.

His dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. Among his career highlights are being named Coach of the Year, Conference Assistant Coach of the Year, and Community Volunteer of the Year. These honors speak not only to his success on the field but also to his influence within the communities he has served.

Athletic Director Tom Norris commented,

“We are thrilled to welcome him to Our Lady of the Lake University. His extensive experience across multiple sports, combined with his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with our mission. He brings a passion for building relationships, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of excellence, and we are confident he will make an immediate and lasting impact on our program and our campus community.”

A key influence throughout his journey has been his father, whom he credits as his biggest supporter and a constant source of inspiration. That foundation has helped shape a coaching philosophy centered on developing the whole person, elevating athletic performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. He emphasizes discipline, accountability, and passion, encouraging his athletes to compete with confidence while supporting one another like family. His approach focuses on daily growth and collective success, with the belief that greatness is achieved together.

A devoted father, he has two daughters, ages 20 and 5, who remain at the center of his motivation and purpose. As he begins this new chapter at OLLU, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a heart for mentorship, and a vision for building a winning culture grounded in unity, growth, and excellence.

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Our Lady of the Lake produced a strong all-around performance Wednesday, defeating Huston–Tillotson 16–2 behind a dominant outing from starting pitcher Josh Ruiz and a balanced offensive effort that produced 14 hits.

Ruiz earned the win after pitching a complete seven innings. He allowed just three hits and two runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out eight and walking one. The right-hander threw 77 pitches, 61 for strikes, and kept Huston–Tillotson from generating consistent offensive pressure throughout the game.

At the plate, the Saints capitalized on scoring opportunities early and often. Benjamin Hovda reached base three times, scored three runs, drove in two, and added two stolen bases. Jack Kalisky finished with two hits and three runs scored, including a double that helped fuel the early offense.

Diego Zuniga led the Saints with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with five runs batted in and two doubles. His timely hitting helped extend several innings and build the Saints lead.

Jacob Cueva also delivered a productive day, collecting two doubles and two RBIs. Brett Atkinson recorded two hits, including a double, while scoring twice and driving in one. Aiden Gonzalez added two hits and two RBIs, and Mason Ruiz contributed a double and an RBI.

Our Lady of the Lake remained aggressive on the bases as well. Hovda stole two bases, Derek Hernandez added two steals after reaching base, and Atkinson contributed another as the Saints continued to pressure the Huston–Tillotson defense.

Huston–Tillotson scored its runs on a solo home run from Jacob Perez and a sacrifice fly from Danny Hernandez. However, the Rams managed only three hits in the game and struck out eight times against Ruiz. After Huston–Tillotson starter Edgar Muniz allowed four runs in three innings, the Saints continued to add to their lead against the bullpen, including a five-run stretch during the middle innings that put the game out of reach.

The Saints will be back in action this Friday at 6:00 PM CDT to start their home stand against Texas A&M-Texarkana.

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