Sports – Page 12 – Lake Weekly

OLLU Cross Country Holds Strong in Elite Field at Texas A&M

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.

Saints Shine in Louisiana: OLLU Rolls Past LCU with 27–1 Shot Advantage

Pineville, LA- The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s soccer team delivered a commanding performance in Pineville, Louisiana, defeating Louisiana Christian University 4–0 in a dominant road victory that left no doubt about who controlled the match from start to finish.

From the opening whistle, OLLU pressed high and dictated the tempo. Their relentless attack paid off early in the 9th minute, when Eleonora Diversi stunned the Wildcats defense with a brilliant strike from 30 yards out. The play began with Angela Garcia sending in a crisp cross from the right side, perfectly setting up Diversi, who met it with power and precision to find the back of the net.

The Saints kept the pressure on, and at the 36:37 mark, Diversi struck again. This time, Hannah Brookfield delivered the assist, threading a smart ball into space. Diversi needed no second invitation, she fired a rocket into the top right corner, leaving the LCU goalkeeper frozen. It was a statement goal, sealing her brace before halftime and showing why she’s one of the most dangerous attackers in the conference.

Just six minutes later, Brookfield added her own name to the scoresheet. At 42:38, she capitalized on a loose ball outside the box and buried it unassisted, driving the Saints lead to 3–0 before the break. OLLU’s offense looked unstoppable, and their defense remained poised and disciplined, allowing LCU just a single shot in the entire first half.

In the second half, OLLU continued their dominance. Grace Reed made it 4–0 at 55:17 after a perfectly timed through ball from Kira Brown. Reed timed her run flawlessly, split the defense, and lifted her shot into the top left corner, an emphatic finish that sealed the victory.

Goalkeepers London Suarez and Salka Hrafns shared the shutout, with Suarez anchoring the first half and Hrafns entering in the second, recording one save to preserve the clean sheet. The Saints outshot LCU 27–1, showcasing their complete control on both ends of the field.

Louisiana Christian’s keeper worked overtime with 12 saves, but it wasn’t nearly enough to slow down OLLU’s relentless attack. The Saints performance was not just dominant, it was a display of precision, teamwork, and championship-caliber focus.

Saints Women’s Basketball Drops 2025–26 Home Schedule, Eyes a New Era Under Coach Showman

San Antonio, Texas— The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s basketball team has officially released its 2025–26 home schedule and with it, a renewed sense of excitement and optimism surrounding the Saints program.

After a challenging 2024–25 campaign that saw the Saints finish 8–19 overall and 6–18 in conference play, the program is turning the page under new head coach Ryan Showman, a proven winner who arrives in San Antonio ready to rebuild the Saints into a contender.

Showman comes to OLLU after an 18-year tenure at Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU), including 13 seasons as head coach, where his teams compiled an impressive 250–151 overall record and a 184–93 mark in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) play. Under his leadership, the Coyotes became a perennial power in the KCAC, capturing two outright conference titles and earning multiple national tournament berths.

Showman’s accolades speak volumes — two-time KCAC Coach of the Year (2020, 2025), WBCA Regional Coach of the Year (2020), and Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women’s 4-Year College Coach of the Year (2020). His 2024–25 squad finished as KCAC Champions and made national headlines as the only 15-seed to win an Opening Round game at the NAIA National Tournament, upsetting host MidAmerica Nazarene.

The Saints home slate promises to be an exciting one for OLLU fans. The schedule features early nonconference matchups designed to test the Saints and prepare them for the grueling conference season. Showman’s emphasis on defense, discipline, and high-tempo offense has already energized returning players and newcomers alike.

While rebuilding years can take time, expectations are high in San Antonio. The Saints faithful believe that with Showman’s leadership, the team’s best days are ahead.

“We’re setting a new standard here,” Showman said. “The goal isn’t just to compete, it’s to win the right way, represent OLLU with pride, and create a culture our community can be proud of.”

As the new era begins, the Saints are ready to rise to the challenge.

Fans can catch the action at Mabee Gymnasium, where OLLU will host a dynamic lineup of home contests this season. The full 2025–26 home schedule is available below or at OLLU Saints Athletics

Shots, Signatures, and a Scoreless Standoff: OLLU Women’s Soccer Day of Impact

On a vibrant afternoon at the OLLU soccer field, the women’s soccer team played to a 0-0 draw against Xavier University of Louisiana. The match was more than just a game; it was a celebration of community, youth, and a cause that’s close to many hearts, breast cancer awareness. The day was marked as Youth Pinkout Day, where the stands were an array of pink in honor of those affected by breast cancer, and the young fans were treated to a memorable event both on and off the field.

From the opening whistle, the Saints dominated possession and controlled the pace of play. Despite creating several quality chances, they were unable to find the back of the net. The Saints registered 10 shots on the day, 3 of which were on target. Eleonora Diversi was particularly active in the attack, firing 3 shots with one on goal, while Monica Sanchez also had a productive day with 4 shots and one on target. Anisia Serrano added a shot that was also on goal, as OLLU continued to press forward and put pressure on Xavier’s defense.

However, it was the Gold Nuggets defense, along with some crucial saves from their goalkeeper, that kept the game level throughout. Xavier’s offense was stifled, managing only 5 shots, with none of them finding the target. OLLU goalkeeper London Suarez, who played all 90 minutes in goal, was solid between the posts, making sure to keep her team in the game with consistent and composed play.

Adding to the fun of the day, Youth Pinkout Day featured a special halftime event—a race for the young fans in attendance. Children from the community raced the field, creating a lively atmosphere. After the match, the team’s dedication to the youth continued as they stayed on the field to sign autographs for the kids and fans, making sure the young supporters felt valued and appreciated. The day was truly a reminder of the close connection between the OLLU soccer team and their community.

While the game ended in a goalless draw, it was a reminder of the strength, passion, and unity that OLLU soccer embodies. Their commitment to the breast cancer awareness cause was clear, with pink shirts and ribbons spread throughout the stadium. The day was a celebration of both the game of soccer and a cause that touches so many lives, underscoring the importance of supporting each other and raising awareness for a fight that continues to affect families across the world.

As the final whistle blew, OLLU may have walked away with a tie, but the true victory was the incredible atmosphere, the engagement with the youth, and the collective effort to raise awareness for breast cancer.

OLLU Dominates Weekly RRAC Awards

It was a great week for Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) athletics as both cross country and volleyball brought home top honors in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) weekly awards.

Isai Moran and Kristen Torres, who were named RRAC Cross Country Runners of the Week after stellar performances at the OLLU Invitational, hosted on the Saints home course.

Moran continued his dominant season, winning the men’s race outright and leading the Saints to a first-place team finish in front of their home crowd. His strong pacing and closing kick separated him from the pack and proved crucial in OLLU’s team title.

On the women’s side, Torres delivered a breakout performance by recording the top individual finish in the women’s race. Her efforts at the front of the pack set the tone for the team, helping the Saints secure the top women’s team finish at the meet.

Meanwhile, OLLU volleyball completed a clean sweep of the RRAC weekly awards after a dominant weekend series, defeating Louisiana Christian University 3-0 on both Friday and Saturday.

Mia Francis earned Attacker of the Week honors, consistently overpowering the Wildcats defense with efficient and timely kills throughout the two matches.
Lauren Reynard was named Setter of the Week, orchestrating the Saints offense with precision and distributing the ball effectively to keep Louisiana Christian on its heels.
Chanisty Villarreal Bermea locked down the backcourt and earned Defender of the Week, showcasing her defensive instincts and relentless effort to keep plays alive.

The Saints perfect weekend in both cross country and volleyball reflects the growing momentum across OLLU Athletics this fall. OLLU continues to be a competitive force at the conference, regional and national scale.

Averns Shines Despite Road Loss to LSUS

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.

Saints Dominate Jarvis Christian in Straight-Set Victory at Mabee Gym

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.

OLLU, Xavier standouts take RRAC volleyball player of the week honors

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)

Saints Tennis Makes Strong Statement at ITA NAIA Gulf Regional Championship

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.

Saints Edge Bulldogs 2-1 in Hard-Fought Home Victory

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.