Category: Sports

The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s soccer team showed determination despite falling 3–0 on the road to LSU Shreveport on Thursday evening. The scoreline didn’t reflect the resilience displayed by the Saints, who battled through constant pressure from the Pilots and relied on a standout performance from goalkeeper Zak Averns to keep the match competitive deep into the second half.

The Pilots found their breakthrough at the 32:43 mark, capitalizing on one of their many attacking chances. The Saints held firm for the remainder of the first half, weathering repeated attacks and showing defensive discipline against a high-powered LSUS offense. Averns was sensational between the posts, recording 12 saves, tying for second-most in OLLU history for a single match. Two saves away from breaking the all-time record. His efforts kept the Saints within reach and frustrated the Pilots for much of the game.

After halftime, LSU Shreveport added two quick goals at 59:47 and 60:45 to extend their lead. Averns incredible 60 minutes and 45 seconds in goal came to an end shortly after, with Carson Burkhalter taking over for the final 19 minutes and 15 seconds of play. Despite the scoreline, the Saints defensive unit continued to battle, absorbing wave after wave of pressure from an LSUS attack that tallied 16 total shots and nine corners.

Offensively, OLLU managed two shots but worked tirelessly to generate opportunities on the counterattack, never backing down even as time wound down.

The Saints will look to regroup and be ready for their next matchup, a road contest against Louisiana Christian on Saturday, where they’ll aim to turn their play into a winning result.

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Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) saw two athletes take home this week’s awards as Mia Francis earned Attacker of the Week and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea won Defender of the week. Charity Metcalf from Xavier University (La.) won Setter of the Week.

Attacker of the Week: Mia Francis, Our Lady of the Lake
The senior outside hitter helped sweep Jarvis Christian University (Texas) on Friday and Saturday. Mia Francis offensive skillset was on full display with 10 kills on Friday with a .615 kills percentage. On Saturday. she had 11 kills with a .474 kills percentage. Francis guided OLLU to 3-0 victories in both matches. The Saints start conference play at 2-0 with a 5-7 mark overall.

Setter of the Week: Charity Metcalf of Xavier LA
Metcalf’s presence was seen all over the court last week as the senior put up 81 assists, 4 kills, and 26 digs in three matches and 10 sets. She averaged 8.10 assists per set and 2.60 digs per set. Xavier swept Dillard on the road and Point University (Ga.) as a neutral opponent and lost in four sets at the University of Mobile (Ala.). This is the third straight week Metcalf has earned Setter of the Week. The Gold Nuggets are 12-4 overall heading into their first conference games this week

Defender of the Week: Chanisty Villarreal Bermea, Our Lady of the Lake
Bermea helped lead OLLU to two sweeps on Friday and Saturday. On Friday she recorded nine digs, three assists and one service ace. On Saturday she had 13 digs, one service ace and one assist.

Additional Nominees: Lauren Reynard (Our Lady of the Lake), Jasmin Williams (A&M-Texarkana), Taylor Parker (Xavier), Lauren Herz (A&M-Texarkana), Kamea Uitenham (Xavier), Paulina Dobreca (A&M-Texarkana).

RRAC Volleyball Notebook

Lauren Reynard helped lead OLLU past Jarvis Christian with 29 assists, 4 service aces and 5 digs in their first match. On Saturday, she had 35 assists, seven service aces, and two digs.

Xavier’s Taylor Parker reached at least five blocks in all three matches this week. Against Mobile, it was the 33rd time at XULA that the 2024 NAIA All-American reached five blocks in a match.

Paulina Dobreca of A&M-Texarkana recorded 18 kills over two games with an overall .361 hitting percentage. The Eagles swept their first two conference matchups against Texas College. She sits in second place for all-time kills with 476 over two seasons.

2025 RRAC volleyball weekly selections:

Date	Attacker of the Week	Setter of the Week	Defender of the Week
Aug. 18-24	Kaitlyn Cabral (TAMUT)	Charity Metcalf (XULA)	Kennedy Campbell (XULA)
Aug. 25-31	Kaitlyn Cabral (TAMUT)	Ashley Rhame (TAMUT)	Paulina Dobreva (TAMUT)
Sept. 1-7	Taylor Parker (XULA)	Charity Metcalf (XULA)	Lauren Herz (TAMUT)
Sept. 8-14	Kamea Uitenham (XULA)	Charity Metcalf (XULA)	Taylor Parker (XULA)
Sept. 22-28	Mia Francis (OLLU)	Charity Metcalf (XULA)	Chanisty Villarreal Bermea (OLLU)

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s and women’s tennis teams put on an impressive showing at the ITA NAIA Men’s and Women’s Gulf Regional Championship, hosted by Xavier University in New Orleans. With high energy, focused execution, and standout performances across the board, the Saints proved themselves as a rising force in NAIA tennis.

The highlight of the tournament came in the men’s open doubles, where the electric duo of Jaroslav Majasajdr and Joao Santos powered their way to the championship title. The pair played with exceptional chemistry and determination throughout the tournament, beginning their run with a commanding 8-2 victory over a strong Xavier University team. They then fought through a tight contest against William Carey, prevailing 8-6, followed by an 8-5 win over the Dillard University duo. In the championship match, Majasajdr and Santos faced another Xavier University pair and delivered a thrilling 7-6 win to clinch the title. Their run was a testament to their grit and composure under pressure, and they brought a major victory home for OLLU.

In singles competition, Corentin Fusaro led the way for the Saints on the men’s side, making a deep run into the quarterfinals. He showcased poise and power throughout the early rounds, falling just short of the semifinals but establishing himself as a true contender.

The OLLU women also had a strong tournament, with several deep runs highlighting the team’s growing potential. In singles, Carolina Guerrero and Marie Peters both advanced to the round of 16, representing the Saints with tenacity and focus before bowing out in competitive matches.

In doubles, the women’s side continued to impress. The pair of Ely Laure and Marie Peters reached the quarterfinals, pushing their opponents with sharp net play and solid baseline consistency. Likewise, the duo of Carolina Guerrero and Michaela Muller made it to the quarterfinals after a strong start, showing cohesion and intensity in every match. Though both pairs fell short of advancing further, their performances were a clear signal of the program’s depth and promise.

Overall, the Saints left their mark in New Orleans, not just with results but with a brand of tennis that reflected discipline, unity, and belief. With a regional doubles title on the men’s side and strong showings in both singles and doubles for the women, OLLU continues to build momentum as one of the region’s most competitive programs.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team battled through 90 intense minutes to earn a gritty 2-1 victory over the visiting Jarvis Christian Bulldogs on Saturday evening. In front of their home crowd, the Saints controlled much of the match and found the late-game composure needed to secure all three points.

OLLU wasted little time setting the tone. In the 16th minute, Kevin Zamora found the back of the net off a crisp assist from Baden Arrieta, giving the Saints an early 1-0 lead. The goal was the result of sustained attacking pressure and quick combination play that sliced through the Bulldogs back line. The Saints maintained control throughout the first half, outshooting Jarvis Christian and dominating possession, but were unable to extend the lead before the break.

Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs showed more urgency and managed to break through in the 72nd minute, leveling the match at 1-1 and momentarily silencing the crowd. Despite the setback, the Saints never lost their composure and quickly regained momentum.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, OLLU responded with the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute. Alessandro Sierra delivered the clutch finish, capitalizing on a perfectly timed assist from Cade Ryan to make it 2-1. The Saints bench erupted, and the home fans followed, sensing that the hard-earned win was within reach.

Defensively, the Saints stood tall in the closing minutes, with goalkeeper Zak Averns anchoring the back line. Averns played the full 90 minutes, recording three key saves and allowing just the single goal. His steady presence between the posts helped preserve the lead as Jarvis Christian pushed for a late equalizer.

OLLU outshot the Bulldogs 21-10, showing their intent and attacking firepower throughout the match. The Saints ability to create quality chances and control tempo ultimately proved to be the difference in a physical and competitive contest.

With the victory, the Saints continue building momentum and confidence as they navigate through conference play. OLLU will be back in action Thursday against LSU-A at home at 3:30 PM CDT.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s soccer team put on a clinic Saturday afternoon at the OLLU Soccer Field, steamrolling the Jarvis Christian Bulldogs 6-0 in a complete team effort. From the opening whistle to the final seconds, the Saints dominated every facet of the game, overwhelming the visiting Bulldogs with relentless pressure, clinical finishing, and airtight defense.

It took less than three minutes for the Saints to get on the board. Eleonora Diversi wasted no time asserting herself, slotting in a goal at the 2:45 mark to ignite the scoring frenzy. Just six minutes later, Angela Garcia made it 2-0 with a well-placed finish off a sharp assist from Leah Tapia, showcasing the Saints seamless attacking rhythm.

Despite the early lead, OLLU didn’t take their foot off the gas. The Saints fired 28 shots on the afternoon, 11 on goal, while holding the Bulldogs to just two total shots and zero corner kicks. OLLU’s midfield controlled possession with poise and precision, suffocating any chance Jarvis Christian had to build momentum.

In the second half, the Saints continued to pour it on. Gabrielle De Leon extended the lead to 3-0 with a strike in the 77th minute, finishing a dominant buildup that left the Bulldogs chasing shadows. Diversi added her second goal of the day just four minutes later, capping off a stellar individual performance and making it 4-0.

With the result all but sealed, OLLU’s depth stepped in and delivered. Anisia Serrano netted the fifth goal at the 86:45 mark, continuing the offensive onslaught, and just a minute later, Mia Saenz added the final blow with a clean finish off an assist from Monica Sanchez to make it 6-0. The Saints bench erupted, a reflection of the team’s unity.

On the defensive end, goalkeeper London Suarez earned a well-deserved clean sheet, playing the full 90 minutes and recording two saves on the Bulldogs only shots on target. Her calm command of the back line helped preserve the shutout, marking yet another solid outing for the Saints defense, which has been one of the team’s quiet strengths all season.

With the win, OLLU continues to assert itself. The Saints will play against Thursday at 1:00 PM CDT at home against LSU-A.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) volleyball team delivered a commanding performance Saturday in front of their home crowd, sweeping the Jarvis Christian University Bulldogs 3-0 at Mabee Gymnasium. The Saints showed poise, power, and precision in every phase of the game, improving to 5-7 overall and a perfect 2-0 in Red River Athletic Conference play.

From the opening whistle, it was clear the Saints were in complete control. OLLU set the tone early with a dominant 25-15 win in the first set, quickly establishing their tempo and never allowing the Bulldogs to find a rhythm. The Saints offense fired on all cylinders in the second set, cruising to a lopsided 25-12 victory fueled by relentless attacks and crisp ball movement.

Though Jarvis Christian pushed back in the third set, the Saints refused to back down. With clutch plays down the stretch and a fired-up crowd behind them, OLLU held on to take the final frame 25-22 and complete the sweep.

Leading the offensive charge was senior setter Lauren Reynard, who orchestrated the attack with surgical precision. Reynard tallied an impressive 35 assists, keeping the Bulldogs defense guessing all night. Her connection with the hitters was on full display, especially with Mia Francis, who led the team with 11 kills. Francis’s power at the net consistently broke through the Bulldogs block, giving the Saints a scoring edge that proved too much to handle.

Defensively, the Saints were anchored by Chanisty Villareal Bermea, who recorded a team-high 13 digs. Her steady presence in the back row and ability to read Jarvis Christian’s offense helped stifle any attempt at a comeback. The Saints overall defensive effort puzzled the Bulldogs throughout the match, limiting their opportunities and forcing errors.

With the win, OLLU moves to 2-0 in conference play and looks to build momentum heading deeper into the season. The Saints will play again October 3rd away against Louisiana Christian at 6:00 PM CDT.

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Our Lady of the Lake University’s Crystal Brock, has been named National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) Member of the Month for September. This well-deserved honor celebrates Coach Brock’s 21 years of excellence in dance education, choreography, and spirit leadership—a career that continues to elevate OLLU Athletics and inspire dancers across the country.

Since joining OLLU in 2020, Coach Brock has built the university’s competitive cheer, dance, and drumline programs from the ground up, turning them into nationally recognized powerhouses. Under her leadership, OLLU Spirit has earned multiple NAIA and NDA/NCA national titles, including a first-place finish at the 2025 NCA College NAIA Game Day Nationals. Her teams are celebrated for their precision, performance quality, and Game Day energy. Fitting for someone whose favorite styles of dance are Pom and Game Day.

Brock was recently nominated for 2025 NDCA Collegiate Coach of the Year, after being named a finalist in both 2024 and 2025. Her commitment to excellence doe not stop at coaching. She also serves as an adjudicator for several respected organizations including Showmakers of America, Crowd Pleasers Dance, and the Texas Educators Assessment of Learning. Her leadership and judging experience continue to influence the broader spirit and dance community well beyond the OLLU campus.

In addition to her collegiate coaching success, Brock brings a wealth of experience from her time as a high school dance educator and director in San Antonio. She has led numerous high school programs to regional and national acclaim and was honored with the Northside ISD Above & Beyond Award for Outstanding Dance Educator in 2020. Her work as Head Choreographer for the 2022 feature film Say a Little Prayer, and her role in the 2024 SA Gridiron Dance Finale, showcase her creative versatility and artistic impact outside the traditional competition circuit.

Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership Studies at OLLU, Coach Brock holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies with a Psychology minor. She is also an active member of NDCA’s Recruitment and Membership Engagement Committee and continues to serve as a mentor, presenter, and judge across multiple spirit organizations.

The entire OLLU Athletics Department congratulates Coach Brock on this incredible recognition. Her passion, leadership, and dedication make her an invaluable part of our Saints family, and we are proud to see her work honored on a national stage.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s soccer team is off to an great start this season, earning the 11th spot in the very first Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) ranking of the year with an impressive RPI of 0.658. This ranking underscores just how promising the Saints are as they set their sights on cracking the top 25 nationally.

For those unfamiliar, the RPI is a crucial metric in college sports that evaluates a team’s success based not only on their win-loss record but also the strength of their schedule. The formula considers a team’s winning percentage, the winning percentage of their opponents, and the winning percentage of their opponents, opponents. An RPI of 0.658 places OLLU well within the upper tier of competitive teams, especially when paired with their seventh-best strength of schedule in the entire country. This means that not only are the Saints winning, but they’re going against some of the toughest competition in NAIA collegiate soccer.

The Saints will have an exciting weekend ahead as they return to their home turf for two key matchups. On Thursday, they face Texas A&M-Texarkana, a team that will surely test their abilities but one OLLU is prepared to take on. Then, on Saturday, the Saints will host Jarvis Christian in a special Alumni Day game which will be a perfect occasion to celebrate the program’s rich history while pushing forward toward future triumphs.

With such a strong foundation and the support of their home crowd, OLLU is in a prime position to make a statement and crack the top 25 national rankings. Fans and alumni alike should be proud of how far the team has come and excited for the potential that lies ahead. The Saints are showing everyone that they are in contention to do something great this season.

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The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s tennis team made their presence felt this weekend at the Trinity University Invitational in San Antonio, Texas, with a mix of impressive wins and valiant performances against tough regional opponents including Saint Mary’s, Lubbock Christian, and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW).

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend came from the dynamic doubles duo of Jacob Gailey and Bastien Prod’Homme, who delivered a commanding 8-2 victory over Saint Mary’s. Their chemistry on court and aggressive play style were unmatched and set the tone for the Saints across the tournament.

In singles, Louis Bocquet delivered a powerful win over Fabian Rosales of Saint Mary’s, showcasing his consistency and high tennis IQ. Bocquet also battled teammate Corentin Fusaro in a thrilling internal match that highlighted the depth and competitiveness of OLLU’s roster. Fusaro ultimately came out on top, earning well-deserved recognition.

Joao Victor Castro gave a determined effort in his singles match, but fell to Saint Mary’s Bernhard Hauer, while Pietro Guimaraes showed promise with a strong victory over Zachary Hazel of Lubbock Christian before running into Hauer as well, who managed to edge him out in straight sets. Nonetheless, Guimaraes ability to bounce back and compete hard against top-tier talent bodes well for the rest of the season.

Jacob Gailey continued to make waves with a solid singles victory over Evan Walther from Saint Mary’s, using a mix of controlled aggression and smart shot selection. Though he later fell to Alexandre Sulpicy in a close 7-6, 6-2 battle, Gailey’s performance throughout the invitational was one of OLLU’s strongest.

Caleb Olen added to the Saints tally with a straight-sets win against Mario Richmagui of UIW, 6-2, 6-4, putting on a clinic of precise shot-making and patience. Paulo Ceolin also brought the heat, dispatching Evin Walsh of Saint Mary’s with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory that left no doubt about his place as one of the team’s top contributors.

Luis Jimenez Arzate faced a tough opening match against UIW’s Samuel Candelas, falling 6-4, 6-4 in a tightly contested bout. However, he bounced back in style with a hard-earned win against Blake Rogers of Lubbock Christian, showing mental toughness and resilience that defines the OLLU spirit.

Bastien Prod’Homme, despite a close first-set tiebreaker, dropped his singles match against Saint Mary’s Lucas Castillo-Sanchez 7-6, 6-3. Still, his leadership and exceptional doubles play alongside Gailey contributed significantly to the Saints overall success.

The Trinity University Invitational was a valuable test for OLLU, and the team delivered a number of standout performances against quality opposition. With this kind of talent and competitive fire, the Saints are clearly poised for an exciting and successful season ahead.

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Isai Moran of Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) raced to the RRAC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week award for Sept. 8-14, while OLLU’s Mia Curiel was recognized again as the RRAC Women’s Runner of the Week for the same dates.

Moran set a new OLLU record in the 8K distance at the Texas A&M University Invitational in College Station, Texas. The sophomore from El Paso, Texas, finished 31st with a time of 24:53 in a field of 142 runners, which were primarily from NCAA Division I schools.

Curiel earned her second consecutive weekly award with a personal best time of 18:45 in the 5K at the Texas A&M meet. The senior from McAllen, Texas, placed 45th in a field of 142, which included seven NCAA Division I programs.

Additional RRAC cross country weekly nominees: Tyler Johns (North American), Samantha Medina (North American).

2025 RRAC cross country weekly selections:

Date	Men’s Runner of the Week	Women’s Runner of the Week
Aug. 25-31	Christopher Espino (USW)	Elianna Saenz (USW)
Sept. 1-7	Damon Gutierrez (OLLU)	Mia Curiel (OLLU)
Sept. 8-14	Isai Moran (OLLU)	Mia Curiel (OLLU)

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