Sports – Page 11 – Lake Weekly

OLLU Opens RRAC Tournament With Convincing Shutout Victory

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s soccer team delivered a commanding performance in the opening round of the Red River Athletic Conference Championship, defeating the Texas A&M–Victoria Jaguars 4–0 at home. The Saints displayed composure, precision, and control from start to finish, advancing confidently to the next stage of the tournament.

OLLU struck first when Leah Tapia found the back of the net at 33:33, finishing a well-placed pass from Anisia Serrano. The goal reflected the Saints early dominance in possession and attacking organization, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

After taking a 1–0 lead into halftime, OLLU extended its advantage early in the second half. At 53:20, midfielder Eleonora Diversi broke free of her marker and scored unassisted, doubling the Saints lead with a strong individual effort. From that point on, OLLU maintained control, limiting the Jaguars to minimal chances while continuing to press forward.

The Saints third goal came in the 77th minute when Hannah Brookfield finished a smooth attacking sequence, converting an assist from Sara Garza to make it 3–0. Brookfield capped off the night with her second goal at 88:37, an unassisted effort that sealed the dominant 4–0 result.

Statistically, OLLU’s superiority was clear. The Saints outshot Texas A&M–Victoria 16–3 and earned seven corner kicks while allowing none. Goalkeeper London Suarez stood firm in net, recording three saves on three shots faced during her 90 minutes of play, securing the clean sheet and anchoring a disciplined defensive effort.

With the victory, OLLU advances to the next round of the RRAC Championship and will travel to Texarkana to face Xavier University at 1:30 p.m. CDT.

Saints Open 2026 Season Ranked 12th After Dominant 47-Win Campaign

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team enters the 2026 season ranked No. 12 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, continuing its reputation as one of the nation’s top programs. The Saints are coming off a dominant 47-9 overall record and an impressive 27-1 mark in conference play, capped by another Red River Athletic Conference Championship. Leading the team into a new era is first-year head coach Jody Armijo, who takes over a squad loaded with talent and championship experience. Armijo inherits a program defined by its determination, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. After several seasons of national success, the Saints have their sights set high in 2026. Ranked just outside the top ten, OLLU is ready to prove once again that they belong among the NAIA’s elite. With strong leadership and a winning tradition, the Saints are poised to make another deep postseason run.

Saints Make History As OLLU Runners Sweep National Athlete Honors

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) made history this week as two of its standout runners, Isai Moran and Kristen Torres, were named M-F Athletic National Athletes of the Week for November 3 by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The recognition marked a milestone moment for the Saints, as it was the first time in program history that any OLLU athlete had earned this national honor during the cross country season. Their achievements underscored the school’s growing dominance in the NAIA and the strength of its cross country program.

For Moran, a sophomore from El Paso, the award came on the heels of a commanding victory at the Red River Athletic Conference Championships. He tore through the 8k course in just 24:07.3, leaving the rest of the field a staggering 34 seconds behind. The time help power the OLLU men’s team to its tenth conference title, a testament to the depth and discipline cultivated by the Saints program. Moran’s performance, characterized by his smooth pacing and relentless finish, demonstrated why he’s become the heartbeat of the OLLU men’s squad. His leadership on the course has set the tone for a team that thrives on unity and competitive spirit.

On the women’s side, junior Kristen Torres of San Antonio delivered an equally dominant performance, claiming the individual conference crown with a time of 21:54.7, an 18-second margin over the rest of the competition. Her victory capped an extraordinary team showing, as five of her teammates joined her in the top eight to give OLLU a near-perfect team score of 18 points. Torres’s poise and strength through the Red River course not only highlighted her as one of the NAIA’s top runners but also showcased the incredible synergy within the Saints women’s team. The fact that this is the first time an OLLU female athlete has received national weekly honors makes her achievement even more historic, setting a new standard for future Saints to follow.

The recognition of both Moran and Torres in the same week speaks volumes about the trajectory of OLLU’s cross country program. Once viewed as an emerging force, the Saints have now firmly established themselves as a nationally acclaimed team year after year. Their success reflects not only individual excellence but also a culture of hard work, belief, and community, values that define the OLLU athletic tradition. With championship season in full swing, the Saints recent accomplishments signal that they are more than ready to compete on the biggest stage in the NAIA.

OLLU’s Tapia and Suarez Shine as RRAC Players of the Week

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s soccer team continues to prove why it’s one of the most dominant programs in the Red River Athletic Conference, as two Saints earned top honors this week. Junior forward Leah Tapia was named RRAC Offensive Player of the Week, while senior goalkeeper London Suarez claimed RRAC Defensive Player of the Week for their outstanding performances from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2.

Tapia was electric on the field, leading OLLU to three impressive victories over Texas A&M–Victoria, Texas College, and Texas A&M–San Antonio. She scored four goals and added three assists across those matches, consistently finding ways to lift her team and energize the Saints attack. With eight shots, six on target, Tapia’s precision and confidence in front of goal were unmatched. Her season totals now stand at seven goals and eleven assists, making her one of the conference’s most dangerous offensive threats alongside teammate Eleonora Diversi. Her creativity, teamwork, and relentless drive have become defining traits of OLLU’s high-powered offense this season.

While Tapia’s scoring lit up the scoreboard, it was Suarez’s calm command in goal that kept opponents frustrated. The senior keeper delivered two shutouts against A&M–Victoria and Texas College and added three crucial saves throughout the week, including in the Saints hard-fought 3–2 win over A&M–San Antonio. With 17 saves this season, Suarez continues to be the backbone of OLLU’s defense, guiding her teammates with poise and leadership. Her ability to stay composed under pressure has been vital to the Saints success.

Both Tapia and Suarez embody the spirit and determination that define OLLU women’s soccer. Their weekly honors are not only a reflection of their individual excellence but also of the team’s unity and relentless work ethic. The Saints have built a culture of winning through dedication, trust, and belief in one another, a culture that continues to deliver results week after week.

OLLU Volleyball Dominates Weekly Awards: Francis and Reynard Lead the Saints Charge

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints continue to prove why they’re one of the most competitive programs in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). This week, the Saints brought home not one, but two of the conference’s top weekly honors, as senior outside hitter Mia Francis earned RRAC Attacker of the Week and senior setter Lauren Reynard claimed Setter of the Week for their standout performances from Oct. 27–Nov. 2.

The Saints dominance on the court was evident in their two-game series against Xavier University of Louisiana, where both Francis and Reynard showcased leadership, consistency, and championship-level skill.

Mia Francis

For the third time this season, Mia Francis earned the title of Attacker of the Week, a well-deserved recognition for her relentless play and unmatched offensive presence. Francis totaled 30 kills, 12 digs, three blocks, and a service ace in OLLU’s 1-1 split against Xavier. Her performance was nothing short of stellar, as she contributed more total points than any other player on the court across both matches.

Currently ranked sixth in the conference with 190 kills and averaging 3.38 kills per set, Francis continues to be the heartbeat of OLLU’s offensive strategy. Her ability to step up in high-pressure moments has made her one of the most feared attackers in the RRAC.

Lauren Reynard

Complementing Francis firepower is setter Lauren Reynard, whose precision and leadership guided the Saints offense with unmatched efficiency. Reynard posted an incredible 82 assists, leading all setters in the conference for the week, while also adding 20 digs and four service aces to her all-around stat line.

The San Antonio native is not only excelling on a weekly basis, she currently leads the entire RRAC with 598 assists, proving herself as the cornerstone of OLLU’s offensive rhythm. This marks her second Setter of the Week award this season, underscoring her consistency and her critical role in the Saints success.

Ryan Nets Two as OLLU Finishes Season with Hard-Fought Effort

The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s soccer team closed out their season on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 5-3 loss to the Texas A&M–San Antonio Jaguars on Senior Day. Though the result didn’t go their way, the Saints showed resilience, pride, and determination in their final outing of the year, rallying in the second half to make things competitive and giving the home crowd plenty to cheer for in the season finale.

The first half proved difficult for OLLU as the Jaguars capitalized on their early chances, jumping out to a 4-0 lead with goals in the 3rd, 5th, 17th, and 22nd minutes. Despite the deficit, the Saints continued to battle and looked more organized as the half progressed. Goalkeeper Zak Averns played all 90 minutes in goal, finishing with two saves and anchoring a defense that refused to back down against a relentless Jaguar attack.

After halftime, the Saints found their rhythm and began to take control of the pace of play. Texas A&M–San Antonio struck again in the 49th minute to make it 5-0, but OLLU refused to fold. Just two minutes later, Cade Ryan sparked the Saints comeback effort with a goal in the 51st minute. Ryan struck again in the 71st minute, burying his second of the match to cut into the Jaguars lead and energize the Saints bench.

The home side kept pressing, and in the 83rd minute, Caleb Chagoy found the back of the net with an assist from Ryan to make it 5-3. The Saints continued to push forward in the closing moments, fighting for every ball. Though time ran out before they could complete the comeback, OLLU walked off the field with heads held high after an inspired second-half performance.

The Saints finished the 2025 season with a 3-11-4 overall record and a 2-7-2 mark in conference play. Despite the challenges, the team showed flashes of promise and growth, with several young players stepping into key roles throughout the campaign.

Saints Rally Past Xavier for 3–1 Victory Ahead of Senior Day

Our Lady of the Lake volleyball showed poise and championship focus Friday night, rallying after a slow start to defeat Xavier University of Louisiana 3–1 in a statement victory on the road. After dropping the opening set 25–23, the Saints regrouped, adjusted, and took full control of the match, winning the next three sets 25–15, 25–21, and 25–23 to seal the victory.

The first set saw OLLU battle point-for-point, but a few late miscues allowed Xavier to slip ahead. That loss only fueled the Saints response. In the second set, OLLU came out with renewed energy and precision, dominating from the service line and at the net. The offense found its rhythm behind the setting of Lauren Reynard, who orchestrated the attack with confidence and creativity on her way to 47 assists and 16 digs.

Mia Francis and Anais Velazquez Figueroa led the charge offensively, each recording 14 kills, while Clarissa Rodriguez added another 14 and Bailey Scott chipped in 12, giving OLLU a balanced and dynamic attack. Defensively, the Saints were relentless. Chanisty Villarreal Bermea led the back row with 18 digs, while Mia Perez added 17, keeping rallies alive and frustrating the Xavier hitters. At the net, Scott and Velazquez Figueroa provided a formidable wall, finishing with 4 and 5 blocks, respectively.

The third and fourth sets showcased OLLU’s composure under pressure. Every time Xavier tried to rally, the Saints answered with timely kills, disciplined defense, and steady leadership. The closing set was a fitting cap to the match, tight throughout, but OLLU’s determination shined as they closed it out 25–23.

With the win, the Saints carried momentum into what promises to be an emotional and exciting Senior Day at home tomorrow, where they’ll look to finish the regular season on a high note. The victory over Xavier not only added another notch to OLLU’s strong campaign but also showed the toughness and unity that define this team’s identity.

The Saints will play again tomorrow at 12:00 PM CDT against Xavier.

OLLU Hands No. 9 The Master’s University 86-79 Loss

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.

Diversi, Tapia Lead Saints in Commanding Shutout

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.

OLLU Duo Shines at Arturo Barrios Invitational, Collects RRAC Honors

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.