Sports – Page 12 – Lake Weekly

OLLU’s Diversi, TAMUV’s Reyes selected as RRAC women’s soccer players of the week

Eleonora Diversi of Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) was recognized as the RRAC Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week for Sept. 8-14, while Rosa Reyes of Texas A&M University-Victoria earned the RRAC Defensive Player of the Week honor for the same dates.

RRAC Offensive Player of the Week – Eleonora Diversi, Our Lady of the Lake
Diversi accounted for two goals and an assist in a 1-1 week for the Saints. The sophomore midfielder from Lugo, Italy, provided the difference with two goals in a 3-1 victory over Nelson University (Texas), and she assisted on another in a loss to Southwestern Christian University (Okla.). Diversi attempted five shots on goal for the week as OLLU moved to 3-1-1 on the season.

RRAC Defensive Player of the Week – Rosa Reyes, Texas A&M-Victoria
Reyes anchored the Jaguars’ back line in a 1-0-1 week for TAMUV. The senior forward from Katy, Texas, led a defense that suffocated Texas Wesleyan University in a 5-0 victory while allowing only two shots. Reyes and company also limited Concordia University (Texas) to two shots on goal in a 1-1 draw. TAMUV advanced to 2-1-1 overall.

Additional RRAC women’s soccer weekly nominees: Delani Chappell (A&M-Texarkana), Audrian Cruz (LSU Alexandria), Ayloni Garcia (A&M-Victoria), Brooklyn Lattier (A&M-Victoria), Ariana Lowenstein (LSU Alexandria), Arely Sarabia (North American).

2025 RRAC women’s soccer weekly selections:

Date	Offensive Player of the Week	Defensive Player of the Week
Aug. 18-24	Brooklyn Lattier (TAMUT)	Salka Hrafns (OLLU)
Aug. 25-31	Samira Roper (XULA)	Luisa Bella (XULA)
Sept. 1-7	Samira Roper (XULA)	Jamie Noriega (TAMUV)
Sept. 8-14	Eleonora Diversi (OLLU)	Rosa Reyes (TAMUV)

RRAC Notebook

Brooklyn Lattier scored two goals for Texas A&M-Texarkana in a 4-1 victory over Wiley.
TAMUT’s Delani Chappell helped limit opponents to one goal in two victories last week.
Ayloni Garcia was responsible for a pair of goals in Texas A&M-Victoria’s 5-0 win over Texas Wesleyan.

This week in the RRAC

Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Nelson at Jarvis Christian

Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Wiley at LSU Alexandria, A&M-San Antonio at Texas Wesleyan

Thursday, Sept. 18 – Texas College at Paul Quinn, Huston-Tillotson at A&M-Victoria

Friday, Sept. 19 – Our Lady of the Lake at Southwestern

Saturday, Sept. 20 – A&M-San Antonio at Huston-Tillotson, Paul Quinn at A&M-Victoria

Softball Celebrates Springs 2025 Conference Championship, Celebrates Alumni

This weekend was one to remember for the Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball program, as the Saints celebrated their rich history and recent success with a Hall of Fame ceremony, alumni game, and conference championship ring presentation.

On Saturday, the Saints welcomed back former players, fans, and families for a special day that began with an alumni game and was highlighted by the induction of five standout individuals into the OLLU Softball Hall of Fame. Jennifer Estrada, Joanna Gonzalez, Madison Nunn, Ariel Montgomery, and Kayla Dreese were honored for their incredible contributions to the program. Each of them left a lasting impact on OLLU softball, and their legacy was solidified as they received a banner in their honor to be displayed at the Saints softball field.

Sunday’s celebration continued with the conference championship ring ceremony. The Saints squad was recognized for their remarkable 2025 season, where under the leadership of Head Coach Bruce Lennington and Assistant Coach Jody Armijo, they posted a 47-9 regular season record. Dominating the Red River Athletic Conference with a near-perfect 27-1 mark, the Saints powered through tough matchups, dramatic extra-inning battles, and even weather delays to emerge as champions.

Their postseason run was just as impressive. The Saints went undefeated in the conference tournament, capping it off with a 3-0 victory over LSU-A to claim the title. The ring ceremony was a well-deserved moment of recognition for a team that showcased heart, resilience, and championship-caliber play all season long.

With the past and present of OLLU softball coming together in one unforgettable weekend, the program’s legacy continues to grow. Built on excellence, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.

OLLU Athletics Announces Partnership with Influxer Merch to Expand NIL Opportunities

OLLU Athletics has officially partnered with Influxer Merch, a rapidly growing company in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) merchandising space. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the university’s athletic department, as it seeks to provide student-athletes with greater opportunities to benefit from their personal brands while still competing at the collegiate level.

The partnership will allow OLLU student-athletes to design and sell personalized merchandise that incorporates their name, number, and team affiliation, all while being backed by official university branding. Influxer Merch will handle all aspects of production, fulfillment, and customer service, creating a seamless experience for both the athletes and their fans. This means student-athletes will be able to focus on their performance and academics, while still having a way to generate income and engage with their supporters.

This move is part of a growing trend among college athletics programs that are embracing NIL opportunities in light of recent rule changes. By working with Influxer Merch, OLLU Athletics is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving landscape. The platform also offers educational resources to help student-athletes build their personal brand, develop entrepreneurial skills, and understand the basics of marketing and e-commerce.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Influxer Merch and give our student-athletes a platform to showcase their personal brands,” said OLLU Athletic Director Tom Norris. “This is more than just selling merchandise, it is about empowering our athletes to take ownership of their identity, connect with fans in new ways, and gain valuable experience that will benefit them during their time at OLLU.”

With this agreement, OLLU student-athletes will soon begin launching their own merchandise lines, giving fans the chance to show support in new, personalized ways. The initiative is expected to roll out across all sports and will be promoted through both athletic department channels and Influxer’s digital platform. This partnership reflects a broader mission, which is to empower student-athletes, celebrate individuality, and embrace the new era of college sports.

Chagoy’s Late Equalizer Secures Draw for OLLU

In a fiercely contested and emotionally charged match, the OLLU men’s soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Paul Quinn College on Sunday evening, showing grit, resilience, and flashes of brilliance in a game that could have gone either way.

The Saints came out aggressive and energized, controlling possession early and pressing high. Their early intensity paid off when Oli White opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into celebration. White was active throughout the match, testing the Paul Quinn defense and goalkeeper with four shots, one of which found the back of the net. His movement and control in attacking set the tone for OLLU’s first-half dominance.

Despite holding the lead going into halftime, OLLU found themselves under pressure in the second half as Paul Quinn mounted a strong counterattack. The Tigers managed to score twice, capitalizing on quick transitions and a couple of defensive lapses. Still, the Saints refused to let the match slip away.

With time winding down and the intensity reaching its peak, Caleb Chagoy stepped up in a big way. On what was his only shot on goal of the match, Chagoy delivered the equalizer—an expertly timed strike that beat the keeper and reignited the Saints’ hopes. The goal was not only critical for the outcome of the match but gave the Saints momentum to keep pushing.

Defensively, Zak Averns remained a steady force in goal, recording four crucial saves and standing strong under pressure in a match where every possession mattered. Although he conceded two goals, his ability to stay composed and come up with big stops kept OLLU in the fight and ultimately preserved the draw.

While the Saints would have preferred to walk away with the win, the effort and resolve they showed throughout the full 90 minutes reflect a team with both heart and talent. The 2-2 result leaves OLLU hungry for more as they continue to build chemistry and momentum early in the season.

The Saints return to action on September 11th with an away match against Southwestern Christian University at 3:00 PM, where they’ll look to turn their fierce competitive energy into a statement win on the road.

Balanced Attack Leads OLLU to 3-0 Sweep in Austin

Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball continued their strong early-season form with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Huston-Tillotson University on the road Wednesday evening at Branch Gymnasium. The Saints controlled the match from start to finish, earning set victories of 25-13, 25-17, and 25-21 to improve their momentum heading into the heart of the season.

OLLU delivered a well-balanced team performance with 38 kills, 32 assists, and 11 blocks, showcasing both offensive power and defensive discipline. The Saints came out firing in the first set, overwhelming Huston-Tillotson with aggressive play at the net and crisp ball movement. Their pressure never relented, and the team executed with precision in all phases of the game.

Mia Francis led the Saints’ attack with nine kills, while Anais Velasquez added six and Bailey Scott chipped in five. Nicole Bir contributed four kills, further highlighting the depth and versatility of OLLU’s offense. The front line’s efforts were made possible by standout setter Lauren Reynard, who led the team with 19 assists, consistently putting her hitters in ideal positions to score.

On the defensive end, Sophia Castillo anchored the Saints with a match-high 14 digs, helping neutralize Huston-Tillotson’s attempts to mount a comeback. The team’s 11 total blocks proved crucial in disrupting their opponent’s rhythm and maintaining control throughout the match.

The Saints now turn their focus to their next matchup, an away contest against Concordia University (TX) on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30 PM CDT.

OLLU’s Curiel, Gutierrez Post Top Finishes To Sweep RRAC Runner of the Week Awards

Mia Curiel of Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) was selected as the RRAC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week for Sept. 1-7, while OLLU’s Damon received the RRAC Men’s Runner of the Week honor for the same dates.

Curiel finished as the runner-up in the Bearkat Twilight event at NCAA Division I Sam Houston State University (Texas). The senior from McAllen, Texas, raced to a time of 19:02 in the 5K against a field of 20 runners from SHSU, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and North American.

Gutierrez led OLLU to a tiebreaker against SHSU by surpassing all runners in the Bearkat Twilight race. The graduate student from San Antonio posted a first-place time of 15:46 in the 5K distance against 30 runners from SHSU, TAMUK and NAU.

Late Heroics by Rocha Earn OLLU Men’s Soccer a Thrilling Draw Against USAO

In a match filled with grit, heart, and a dramatic finish, the Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team clawed their way to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a strong University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) squad on a sweltering afternoon in San Antonio. The Saints showed resilience and fire, refusing to back down in front of their home crowd—even when the clock wasn’t on their side.

For most of the match, it looked like the Saints might fall just short. USAO’s Matija Malenovic opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, slipping one past OLLU goalkeeper Zak Averns at the 31:13 mark. It was a rare slip in an otherwise strong showing for Averns, who stood tall in net for all 90 minutes and made six crucial saves to keep the Saints within striking distance.

OLLU, undeterred by the early deficit and the grueling heat, pushed forward with intensity, searching for the equalizer. Although the Saints managed just three shots on goal compared to the Drovers’ seven, it was the final one that mattered most.

With the match ticking into its final seconds and the Saints mounting one last surge, Andres Rocha delivered the moment of the match when he fired a dramatic equalizer past the USAO keeper to tie the game 1-1. The Saints bench erupted, and the home crowd roared as Rocha’s clutch goal salvaged a result in a game where chances were hard to come by.

Despite being outshot 14-8 overall, OLLU’s defensive unit held firm, and Averns steady hands proved pivotal in keeping the game within reach. The Saints composure and grit under pressure were a testament to their preparation and belief in each other.

With the draw, OLLU continues to build momentum early in the season, and performances like this one highlight the team’s determination and fight. The Saints return to action against UIW on Friday September 5th at 7:00 PM.

OLLU Cross Country Opens Season at Competitive UIW Twilight Run

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s and women’s cross country teams opened their 2025 season at the UIW Twilight Run in San Antonio on Friday evening. Although no team scores were recorded, the Saints competed in a deep and competitive field that provided an early-season challenge.

In the men’s 6-kilometer race, Jose Perez led OLLU with a 40th-place finish, clocking in at 19:47. He was followed by Ryan Aldana, who finished 66th with a time of 21:39, and Anthony Alaniz, who placed 68th in 21:54. A total of 69 runners competed in the men’s race.

On the women’s side, the Saints ran a 4-kilometer race. Claudia Lopez was the top finisher for OLLU, taking 55th place with a time of 16:43. Reese Vernieuw followed in 58th with a time of 16:54, while Victoria Bartlett finished 59th in 17:03. Valeria Pena rounded out the group in 63rd place with a time of 18:05. The women’s field included 66 runners.

The meet served as a valuable starting point for both teams as they gained experience against strong competition. The Saints will look to build on this performance when they return to action at the Bearkat Twilight meet on September 5th.

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.