Category: News

OLLU Women’s Volleyball Battles on Day One of Hampton Inn Classic

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s volleyball team faced tough competition on the first day of the Hampton Inn Classic, hosted by Corban University. Despite strong individual performances, the Saints dropped both of their Friday matches—falling in a five-set battle against Carroll College and later to No. 3-ranked Corban University.

In their opening match of the day, the Saints went toe-to-toe with Carroll in a back-and-forth thriller, ultimately falling 3-2. Setter Lauren Reynard led the way with an impressive 63 assists, orchestrating a dynamic offense. Mia Francis powered the attack with 20 kills, while Anais Velasquez added 15 kills and Bailey Scott contributed 10. On defense, Chanisty Villarreal Bermea was a steady presence in the back row, finishing with 24 digs.

Later that evening, OLLU squared off against tournament host Corban University, the No. 3 team in the country. The Saints showed resilience but ultimately fell in four sets, 3-1. Velasquez led OLLU with 12 kills, followed by Francis with 10. Reynard posted 28 assists in the match, while Villarreal Bermea added 17 digs to cap a strong day defensively.

Although the results didn’t go in their favor, the Saints displayed grit and competitiveness throughout both matches against high-level opponents.

OLLU continues play in the Hampton Inn Classic tomorrow with two more matchups—first against Oklahoma Wesleyan University, followed by a contest against Bushnell University. The Saints look to bounce back and close out the tournament on a high note.

Saints and Stars Battle to a 1-1 Draw in Non-Conference Clash

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints women’s soccer team opened their home slate with a competitive 1-1 draw against the Oklahoma City University (OCU) Stars on Wednesday afternoon.

The Saints struck early in the first half when Monicha Sanchez found the back of the net at the 7:36 mark, capitalizing on a strong offensive push. Sanchez led OLLU with two shots on goal, converting one into the opening score of the match.

Oklahoma City responded in the 29th minute, leveling the match at 1-1 with a goal at 28:27. Despite several opportunities on both ends, neither team could break the deadlock through the remainder of regulation.

OLLU outshot OCU 12-11, with the Saints placing 10 shots on target compared to the Stars 7. In goal, Salka Hrafns recorded four saves in the second half for the Saints, while London Suarez added one save in the first half to help preserve the tie.

The Saints will look to build on their performance as they continue their season with the next game being a scrimmage against St. Mary’s on Sunday.

OLLU Men’s Soccer Battles #16 Oklahoma City in Narrow 1-0 Defeat

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team put forth a determined effort against a nationally-ranked opponent on Thursday evening, falling 1-0 to No. 16 Oklahoma City University (OCU) at home.

The Stars found the back of the net late in the first half, capitalizing on a chance in the 44th minute. OCU’s lone goal, scored at the 43:49 mark, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

OLLU goalkeeper Zak Averns turned in a solid performance between the posts, registering four saves while facing 11 total shots from the OCU attack. The Saints managed six shots in total, with one shot on target.

Set pieces were evenly matched, with the Stars earning three corner kicks to the Saints two. Despite a strong defensive showing and moments of promise in the attacking third, the Saints were unable to break through OCU’s back line.

The Saints will look to regroup and build on this competitive performance as they continue their 2025 campaign Saturday at 12:00 PM at home against Science and Arts.

Stay Safe: Use Designated Crosswalks

University Police remind all OLLU community members to prioritize safety when crossing 24th Street and moving between campus locations.

Please remember to:

  • Look carefully in both directions and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones.
  • Always use designated crosswalks.
  • Follow the crosswalk control signals that indicate when it is safe to cross.

24th Street is a busy roadway, and drivers may be distracted or fail to see pedestrians. Taking these precautions can help prevent serious accidents.

Your safety is our priority—please stay alert and careful whenever crossing the street.

Guest Speakers from Edwards Aquifer Protection Program – Sept. 12

Interested in learning more about a career in water resource protection?

Dr. Briana Salas’s “Careers in Environmental Science” Seminar course will be hosting staff from the City of San Antonio’s Edwards Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP) to speak to students. Learn how they took a background in Environmental Science and turned it in to career!

Guest speakers will be Friday, September 12, 1:45 to 3:00pm, in Main 204.

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Rent a Garden Bed on Campus Information Session

Are you interested in growing your own garden on campus?

The TExAS FAST program is going to be renting out garden beds from our community garden on campus, which is close to the campus entrance off Commerce Street behind the soccer fields.

We are hosting an informational meeting Friday, September 12th from 12:30-1:30 in Metz 102.
All OLLU students, faculty and staff are welcome!

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Reminder: Spirit Day 2025 on Thursday, September 11

OLLU will celebrate the new academic year with the annual Spirit Day Mass on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. During the celebration, we will also be recognizing and blessing our OLLU Dance Team, Cheer, and Drumline, who made school and national history, bringing home the 2025 NCA NAIA Game Day Division National Championship.

During Spirit Day, OLLU joins more than 200 Catholic universities across the nation in celebrating the tradition of calling on the Holy Spirit to bless the academic year. In addition, faculty and staff who are celebrating 10+ years of service to the university will be recognized. They have contributed a collective 190 years of service to OLLU and its students.

This year’s Spirit Day honorees are:

  • Farias, Louis – General Maintenance Journeyman (45 years)
  • Alvarado, Dominga C – Director of Disbursements (35 years)
  • Gomez, John P – Professor of Psychology (25 years)
  • Nino, Nikki M – Student Support Specialist (20 years)
  • Delgado, Melissa – Registrar (20 years)
  • Ibarra, Stella C – Student Employment Assistant (15 years)
  • Ramirez, Elena C – Financial Aid Counselor (10 years)
  • Mendez, Darian G – Graduate Admissions Specialist (10 years)
  • Hernandez, Naomi A – Associate Clinical Professor (10 years)

Classes are dismissed from 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. on Spirit Day to allow the community to attend this celebration.

OLLU-Houston Welcomes Marriage and Family Therapy Class of 2028

The OLLU-Houston campus officially kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year on August 16 with a lively and inspiring orientation for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Class of 2028.

Special guest Shirley Caldera, Director of Graduate Recruiting and Retention and Interim Regional Executive Director of Houston and RGV, shared a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for a year of learning and growth.

The event also featured Dr. Adrianna Gil-Wilkerson, Director of the MFT Program, who introduced Dr. Lindsay McCarthy, Assistant Professor of Psychology and the newest addition to the Houston faculty.

With three consecutive years of full MFT cohorts, excitement on campus continues to grow. This fall, OLLU-Houston students are already making an impact in the community. Graduate Admissions Counselor Victoria Sandoval is leading the university’s partnership with the BEAR Back to School Drive, supporting BEAR (Be a Resource for CPS Kids)—the only 501(c)(3) working directly with Texas DFPS and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults. Students proudly contributed supplies to help children in need start the school year strong.

The celebration also honored the Class of 2026, who have completed 300+ direct service hours, finished internships, and are preparing for their licensing exams. Their dedication reflects the strength and spirit of OLLU-Houston’s MFT program.

Here’s to another year of academic achievement, professional growth, and community service!