Author: OLLUNewsletter

 In one of the biggest wins in program history under the Coach Thompson Era, the Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball team stunned the nation Thursday night, taking down the No. 9 team in the country, The Master’s University Mustangs, with a thrilling 86-79 victory. The Saints played with heart, grit, and confidence from start to finish, proving they could compete, and win, against one of the NAIA’s elite programs.

From the opening tip, OLLU showed they weren’t intimidated by the top-ten Mustangs. The Saints shot an impressive 45.9 percent from the field, moving the ball with precision and purpose. Their unselfish play was on full display, racking up 20 team assists and finding scoring opportunities inside and out. From beyond the arc, OLLU went 9-for-22, knocking down big shots at crucial moments to keep momentum in their favor.

The battle on the boards was one of the key differences in the game. OLLU dominated the glass, outrebounding The Master’s 53-44, including 17 offensive rebounds that led to critical second-chance points. The Saints also turned defense into offense, forcing the Mustangs into costly mistakes and converting them into 11 points off turnovers. OLLU’s relentless hustle resulted in 5 blocks and 10 steals, a testament to their all-around defensive effort.

Inside, the Saints were unstoppable, scoring 40 points in the paint and showing physicality that overwhelmed their nationally ranked opponent. The bench stepped up in a major way as well, contributing 21 points and keeping the energy high whenever they were called upon.

Wahkil Lopez led the charge for OLLU, putting together a brilliant performance. Lopez went 10-for-13 from the field on his way to 22 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 2-for-4 from the free throw line. His leadership and composure set the tone for the Saints throughout the night. Jaydin Morin-Bishop added 16 points and 7 rebounds, battling on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Moore was efficient with 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Mike Aiken chipped in 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kenyon Elliot anchored the team inside, pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds as the Saints controlled the glass all night long.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Saints celebrated a hard-earned 86-79 win over one of the best teams in the nation.

The Saints will be back in action Friday night against Westcliff (CA) at 10:30 PM CDT.

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The OLLU women’s soccer team delivered a stunning performance, dismantling the North American University Stallions 9–0 in a dominant display of skill, teamwork, and relentless pressure. From the opening whistle, the Saints made it clear that they were in complete control, dictating the tempo and keeping the Stallions pinned deep in their own half.

It didn’t take long for OLLU to strike. In the 7th minute, Eleonora Diversi opened the scoring with a clean finish off a perfect feed from Leah Tapia, setting the tone for what would become an unstoppable first half. Just nine minutes later, Tapia added a goal of her own, slotting home after a clever assist from Gabrielle DeLeon to make it 2–0.

The Saints attack continued to roll. At 19:57, Sara Garza found the back of the net to push the lead to 3–0, as OLLU’s confidence soared. The team kept their foot on the gas, and at 36:22, Hannah Brookfield converted after a sharp setup from Diversi. Barely a minute later, Diversi struck again, this time assisted by both Tapia and Kira Brown, marking her second goal of the half and sealing a commanding 6–0 lead before the break.

In the second half, OLLU didn’t let up. Just three minutes in, at 48:07, Emerson Weiler buried another shot, followed swiftly by a Katherine Delgadillo goal at 49:37. The Saints continued to showcase their depth and creativity, spreading the field and keeping the Stallions chasing shadows. The final blow came at 83:11, when Bethany Garr connected on a crisp pass from Delgadillo to make it 9–0 and put an exclamation point on the evening.

Defensively, OLLU was rock solid. Goalkeeper London Suarez was composed and commanding throughout all 90 minutes, facing just one shot on goal and turning it away with ease to record a well-earned clean sheet. The Saints fired 38 shots in total, 24 of them on target, reflecting their relentless offensive rhythm and clinical execution.

The Saints will be back in action away at Texas A&M-Victoria this Saturday.

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The Saints Cross Country team are soaring once again. Our Lady of the Lake University’s cross country program continues to make waves across the Red River Athletic Conference, and this week two of its standout runners ha, Isai Moran and Kristen Torres, had quite the performance. Both were named the RRAC Cross Country Runners of the Week for the period of October 13–19, following exceptional performances at the highly competitive Arturo Barrios Invitational hosted by Texas A&M University.

Facing a deep field packed with NCAA Division I talent, the Saints proved they could hold their own among some of the best runners in the nation. Kristen Torres delivered an incredible race, clocking a 21:59 in the women’s 6K, a mark that not only showcased her strength and composure but also demonstrated how OLLU’s women’s program continues to rise. This is the second time this season that Torres has claimed the RRAC Runner of the Week honor, and she’s done it in commanding fashion, taking on stellar competition and emerging as one of the top NAIA runners in the field.

On the men’s side, Isai Moran continued his dominant season with a stellar 25:03 in the 8K, once again asserting himself as one of the premier runners in the conference and the region. His performance at the Arturo Barrios Invitational was yet another testament to his consistency, which has defined his remarkable 2025 campaign. This marks the third time this season that Moran has been named RRAC Runner of the Week, adding to an already historic year in which he set the OLLU school record in the 8K earlier this season.

For both Moran and Torres, these awards aren’t just personal milestones, they reflect the hard work of OLLU Cross Country. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, the Saints have built a culture of excellence, one that’s increasingly being recognized beyond the RRAC. Competing against Division I programs and putting down stellar times shows the depth of their talent and the strength of their preparation.

As the postseason looms, OLLU is moving in the right direction.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s and women’s cross country teams made a powerful statement at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, hosted by Texas A&M University in College Station. Competing against a field loaded with NCAA Division I programs from across the nation, the Saints proved they can hold their own against some of the country’s elite.

On the men’s side, OLLU finished 28th overall. There were 353 total runners. It was a test of endurance and courage for the Saints, and they rose to the occasion. Leading the charge was standout runner Isai Moran, who clocked an impressive 25:03 in the 8k to place 114th overall, proving once again that he can compete stride for stride with top Division I talent. Close behind was Damon Gutierrez, who crossed in 25:21, earning 130th place and giving OLLU two runners under 26 minutes, a testament to the program’s growing strength.

Joseph Gonzalez battled his way to 176th in 26:16, followed by Tony Favella in 183rd with a 26:28 finish. Joel Telles (187th, 26:36), Jose Saucedo (197th, 26:56), and Anthony Alaniz (198th, 27:01) rounded out the scoring for OLLU, demonstrating impressive pack running that helped the Saints secure their top-30 team finish in a highly competitive race. Every Saint showed up, embodying the toughness that has become a hallmark of the OLLU distance program.

The women’s team also faced a deep Division I field but refused to be intimidated, finishing 35th overall in a race that tested every runner’s resolve. Kristen Torres led the charge for the Saints, placing 207th in 21:59 for the 6K course, a strong performance against athletes from nationally ranked programs. Mia Curiel followed with a 23:37 finish for 189th, continuing her steady season form. Liliana Hernandez crossed the line in 24:17 for 208th, with Daylah Vega (228th, 26:09) and Claudia Helena Lopez (242nd, 27:34) rounding out the squad’s effort.

While the Saints may not have topped the leaderboard, their performances spoke volumes about the program’s growth this season. Competing against some of the best teams in the nation, both OLLU squads displayed the depth, drive, and unity that continue to elevate the program.

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