Sports – Page 13 – Lake Weekly

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’s Crystal Brock Named NDCA Member of the Month

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.

Our Lady of the Lake Women’s Soccer Team Ranked 11th in First RPI Rankings of the Year

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.

OLLU Men’s Tennis Stands Tall Against Tough Regional Competition

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.

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.

Moran and Curiel Sweep RRAC Runner of the Week Awards For Second Consecutive Week

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)

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.

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.