The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team put forth a determined effort against a nationally-ranked opponent on Thursday evening, falling 1-0 to No. 16 Oklahoma City University (OCU) at home.
The Stars found the back of the net late in the first half, capitalizing on a chance in the 44th minute. OCU’s lone goal, scored at the 43:49 mark, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.
OLLU goalkeeper Zak Averns turned in a solid performance between the posts, registering four saves while facing 11 total shots from the OCU attack. The Saints managed six shots in total, with one shot on target.
Set pieces were evenly matched, with the Stars earning three corner kicks to the Saints two. Despite a strong defensive showing and moments of promise in the attacking third, the Saints were unable to break through OCU’s back line.
The Saints will look to regroup and build on this competitive performance as they continue their 2025 campaign Saturday at 12:00 PM at home against Science and Arts.
In RRAC women’s soccer, Our Lady of the Lake notched a win in its first game of the season on Friday with a freshman goalkeeper in net, but the Saints and Xavier are the only teams in the win column this season.
TAMUT and OLLU players were recognized as the weekly award winners for Aug. 18-24:
RRAC Offensive Player of the Week – Brooklyn Lattier, Texas A&M-Texarkana Lattier found the net with the Eagles’ only goal in a 5-1 loss to NAIA No. 2 Keiser University (Fla.). The junior midfielder from Shreveport, La., was a first-team all-conference selection last year.
RRAC Defensive Player of the Week – Salka Hrafns, Our Lady of the Lake Hrafns collected the win in a 1-0 shutout victory over Schreiner University (Texas). The freshman goalkeeper from Akranes, Iceland, was making her first college appearance for the Saints.
Additional RRAC women’s soccer weekly nominees: Layla Anaya (A&M-Texarkana), Sacha Backus (LSU Alexandria), Sara Garza (Our Lady of the Lake), Yanira Herraez (LSU Alexandria), Laura Kucharz (LSU Shreveport).
Both OLLU and Texas A&M-Victoria will host Oklahoma City University for matches, and LSU Shreveport is on the road at William Carey tonight. Texas A&M-San Antonio will have a crosstown match-up with Trinity, while OLLU will play St. Mary’s.
Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Mobile at Xavier, Lubbock Christian at Southwest, LSU Shreveport at William Carey
Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Tennessee Southern at LSU Alexandria, Texas Wesleyan at Jarvis Christian
Thursday, Aug. 28 – Oklahoma City at Our Lady of the Lake, Eastern New Mexico at Southwest, North American at Texas Southern
Friday, Aug. 29 – Texas A&M-San Antonio at Trinity
Saturday, Aug. 30 – Oklahoma City at Texas A&M-Victoria, North American at Paul Quinn, LSU Alexandria at Texas Wesleyan, Texas A&M-Texarkana at Nelson, LSU Shreveport at USAO
Sunday, Aug. 31 – St. Mary’s at Our Lady of the Lake, Schreiner at Southwest
Our Lady of the Lake University opened its soccer season with a commanding display from both the men’s and women’s teams, earning shutout victories over Schreiner University on Thursday night. The Saints set the tone for the year with dominant performances that left little doubt about their readiness for the new campaign.
The women’s team struck first, notching a 1-0 victory behind an unrelenting offensive push and airtight defense. Sara Garza led the attack with an impressive five shots, all on target, eventually breaking through for the game’s only goal. The assist came from Monica Sanchez, who placed the ball perfectly to set up Garza’s finish. Despite the narrow margin on the scoreboard, the Saints controlled much of the match, outshooting Schreiner 25-4 and keeping the Mountaineers under constant pressure. Sixteen of OLLU’s shots were on goal, and their 60% possession reflected their command of the game. In goal, London Suarez and Salka Hrafns split time, each holding the Mountaineers scoreless to secure the clean sheet.
Momentum continued to build into the men’s game, where OLLU delivered a powerful 4-0 statement win. Cade Ryan opened the scoring with one goal on two shots on target. Alessandro Sierra was clinical with his opportunity, scoring on his lone shot. Andres Rocha proved to be a standout, netting two goals on three shots and constantly putting the Schreiner defense on its heels. Rocha’s first goal came in the 40th minute off a sharp assist from Nicolas Murgas, who found him in stride to double the Saints’ lead before halftime. Goalkeeper Zak Averns played the full 90 minutes and recorded two saves to preserve the clean sheet. OLLU’s men launched 14 shots compared to Schreiner’s two, with eight on target.
Both teams now turn their attention to building on these opening wins, already showing promise and discipline on both ends of the pitch. Both the men and women soccer teams will play at home Thursday, August 28th against the Oklahoma City Stars at 1:00 and 3:30 PM CDT.
Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a pair of matches that tested both resilience and execution. The Saints dropped a tightly contested opener against Oklahoma City University before bouncing back with a thrilling sweep of Embry-Riddle (AZ), securing the first collegiate head coaching win for Coach Swain.
In the morning match, the Saints faced a battle-tested Oklahoma City squad and came up just short in all three sets, falling 3-0 with scores of 26-24, 25-21, and 26-24. Despite the loss, the Saints displayed grit and poise throughout, staying within striking distance in every frame. Our Lady of the Lake finished the match with 41 kills and 113 total attempts, while committing 22 errors. Mia Francis and Anais Velasquez led the attack with 10 kills apiece. Lauren Reynard orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs. The Saints also registered 8 team blocks and 3 service aces in a performance that showed promise despite the final result.
Later that day, the Saints returned to the court energized and determined, sweeping Embry-Riddle in three sets—though the final score didn’t come easily. After controlling the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, the Saints found themselves in a marathon third set, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 35-33 win and close out the match 3-0. It marked the first victory of the season for the Saints and a milestone moment for Coach Swain, who earned her first collegiate head coaching win in front of an electric crowd of 421 fans.
Anais Velasquez once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, continuing her strong start to the season. Reynard dished out 34 assists, while Nicole Bir stepped up defensively with 5 blocks at the net. Villarreal Bermea was a force in the back row, collecting 13 digs to lead the team. As a group, the Saints improved significantly in the second match, finishing with 47 kills, just 12 errors, 35 assists, 49 digs, and 13 total blocks.
Reflecting on the team’s first win, Coach Swain said, “I’m incredibly proud of how the team fought today, especially in that final set. It was a true test of our resilience and teamwork. This win is just the beginning—we’re excited to keep building and competing hard every match.”
Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a pair of matches that tested both resilience and execution. The Saints dropped a tightly contested opener against Oklahoma City University before bouncing back with a thrilling sweep of Embry-Riddle (AZ), securing the first collegiate head coaching win for Coach Swain.
In the morning match, the Saints faced a battle-tested Oklahoma City squad and came up just short in all three sets, falling 3-0 with scores of 26-24, 25-21, and 26-24. Despite the loss, the Saints displayed grit and poise throughout, staying within striking distance in every frame. Our Lady of the Lake finished the match with 41 kills and 113 total attempts, while committing 22 errors. Mia Francis and Anais Velasquez led the attack with 10 kills apiece. Lauren Reynard orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs. The Saints also registered 8 team blocks and 3 service aces in a performance that showed promise despite the final result.
Later that day, the Saints returned to the court energized and determined, sweeping Embry-Riddle in three sets—though the final score didn’t come easily. After controlling the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, the Saints found themselves in a marathon third set, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 35-33 win and close out the match 3-0. It marked the first victory of the season for the Saints and a milestone moment for Coach Swain, who earned her first collegiate head coaching win in front of an electric crowd of 421 fans.
Anais Velasquez once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, continuing her strong start to the season. Reynard dished out 34 assists, while Nicole Bir stepped up defensively with 5 blocks at the net. Villarreal Bermea was a force in the back row, collecting 13 digs to lead the team. As a group, the Saints improved significantly in the second match, finishing with 47 kills, just 12 errors, 35 assists, 49 digs, and 13 total blocks.
Reflecting on the team’s first win, Coach Swain said, “I’m incredibly proud of how the team fought today, especially in that final set. It was a true test of our resilience and teamwork. This win is just the beginning—we’re excited to keep building and competing hard every match.”
The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s soccer team is preparing to begin the 2025 season with high hopes after being ranked sixth in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) preseason poll. With only the top six teams advancing to the conference tournament this year, the Saints find themselves right on the edge — a position that adds intensity and urgency to every match ahead.
Xavier University claimed the top spot in the poll after winning last year’s RRAC tournament on penalty kicks, earning nine first-place votes. LSU Alexandria and LSU Shreveport followed in second and third, while Louisiana Christian and Texas A&M-Texarkana edged out OLLU for the next two spots. The Saints collected 83 points in the voting, placing them just behind the top five and clearly within reach of a postseason berth.
After a competitive showing last season, OLLU will be looking to take the next step, relying on returning experience and new energy to push them forward. The talent is there, and with the tournament format tightening, every game on the schedule carries added weight.
While preseason rankings offer a glimpse into expectations, they do not dictate outcomes. The Saints are eager to prove they belong among the RRAC’s elite and won’t be content with sixth. The 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a fight, one in which the Saints will be prepared for.
Head Coach Lee Williams commented,
“As we approach the upcoming soccer season, we are filled with excitement and optimism about what lies ahead for the OLLU Women’s Soccer program. This year promises to be one of the most competitive seasons we’ve had in recent years.
The student-athletes worked efficiently during the summer and are continuing to work tirelessly in the lead-up to our first game. Their hard work, focus, and intensity have been relentless. This has set a strong foundation for what we aim to achieve this season.
We are welcoming back a lot of experienced SAINTS, while also adding a very talented group of new players to the SAINTS family. The additions have fitted seamlessly into our high-performing environment, bringing fresh energy and diversity that will complement our existing group. This mix of youth and experience—from San Antonio and all over the globe—puts us in a good position to face the challenges that lie ahead this season.
We are focused on enhancing our tactical approach, refining our playing style, and building on our team-first culture that emphasizes a relentless commitment to improving each other every day, with a ruthless streak in competition.
This fall season, we will face some excellent opponents, and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against the best. I am confident that the team’s hard work will translate into success both on and off the field this year. We look forward to having the continued support of our fans, families, and the entire OLLU community as we begin our journey toward achieving our goals.”
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to introduce the newest leader of its cross country and track & field programs Aaron Stallworth. With a deep background in collegiate athletics, a passion for student-athlete development, and a values-driven philosophy, Stallworth brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to Saints Athletics.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Stallworth is a graduate of Marquette High School (2016) and Aurora University (2021), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. As a former sprinter and jumper, he competed at both the high school and collegiate levels and was part of the 2019 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship team at Aurora. He also holds a USTFCCCA Track & Field Technical Certification.
Athletic Director Tom Norris commented,
“We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and accomplished coach to Our Lady of the Lake University. Aaron’s passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the track, combined with his proven success at multiple levels, makes him a great fit for our program. His values align strongly with OLLU’s mission, and we’re excited about the energy, vision, and leadership he brings to our cross country and track & field teams.”
Before joining OLLU, he developed his coaching expertise at several institutions across the Midwest:
Wisconsin Lutheran College (2021–2022): As a Graduate Assistant, he coached sprints, horizontal jumps, and combined events, guiding athletes to 2 All-American honors, 9 national championship qualifications, 14 school records, and a total of 55 top-ten performances.
Defiance College (2022–2023): Starting as Assistant Coach and later promoted to Interim Head Coach, he made an immediate impact. His tenure included conference champions, All-Conference honorees, and record-breaking performances, as well as hosting major meets such as the 2023 NJCAA Region XII Indoor Championship.
Bethel College (2023–2024): Serving as Head Track & Field Coach and Assistant Cross Country Coach, he helped rewrite the record books with 17 new track and field school records and two in cross country, while also building meet infrastructure and reinforcing the program’s academic success.
University of Missouri–St. Louis (2024–2025): Most recently, he coached sprints, jumps, and throws, helping athletes set 24 school records and earn academic honors, including one NCAA DII Provisional National Qualifier.
“I was drawn to coaching at OLLU because of the values the University operates on,” Stallworth shared. “Being able to lead a competitive program is an opportunity that I am blessed to have, and I am excited to be working with some great student-athletes on and off the track and cross-country course.”
His coaching philosophy centers around four pillars: Faith, Family, Academics, and Athletics — in that order. He believes in meeting student-athletes where they are, prioritizing injury prevention, and preparing them to compete at their peak when it matters most.
In his first year, he aims to build on the strong foundation already established at OLLU. “I want us to continue the program’s run of success and be more competitive at the conference, regional, and national level,” he said. “More importantly, I want our student-athletes to grow in their faith, excel in the classroom, and have a truly positive student-athlete experience.”
When it comes to recruiting, he seeks athletes who are coachable, academically driven, and fiercely competitive.
To the Saints community, alumni, and new recruits, Coach Stallworth’s message is clear:
“I’m extremely thankful and blessed for this opportunity to be a part of the OLLU community. I can’t wait to get to work, and I can’t wait to help lead this program to more success!”
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, OLLU Saints fans can look forward to a new era of excellence — on the track, in the classroom, and throughout the university community.
The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s soccer team is heading into the 2025 season with confidence and a lot to prove. Under the guidance of longtime head coach Shane Hurley and assistant coach Jesus Cortes, the Saints are focused on building off last season’s playoff appearance and pushing even further this fall.
OLLU came in at No. 8 in the RRAC Preseason Poll. With a solid mix of returning veterans and promising new additions, the Saints have been sharp in preseason training and are showing real chemistry on the field. There’s a clear energy around the program, one that points to a team ready to take the next step.
Coach Hurley and Coach Cortes have put a strong emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and consistency, and it’s showing in how the team is preparing. The Saints know the road won’t be easy, especially with powerhouse teams like LSU Shreveport and Xavier at the top of the conference, but there’s a belief within the group that they can compete with anyone.
“This group has shown the kind of character, commitment, and cohesion we want to see from a competitive squad,” said Coach Hurley. “They’ve been pushing themselves hard in preseason, and we’re excited to show the results of that effort.”
This year’s team is not hoping to make the playoffs alone—their goal is to compete for a championship. With momentum building and a clear sense of purpose, OLLU Men’s Soccer could be one of the surprise teams to watch in the RRAC this season.
Voting was conducted by the conference’s head coaches. Results of the poll are shown below with points calculated through a 12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 format.
Results are shown below with first-place votes appearing in parentheses.
Despite capturing their first-ever Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) regular season championship and storming through the conference tournament with wins over both perennial powers Xavier and Texas A&M-Texarkana, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) finds itself in a surprising spot heading into the 2025 volleyball season: ranked third in the preseason coaches poll.
OLLU wrapped up the 2024 season with an impressive 19-12 overall record and a near-perfect 15-1 mark in RRAC play. The Saints continued their dominance in the RRAC tournament, entering as the No. 2 seed and toppling both Xavier and TAMUT to capture the tournament crown and avenge previous title game losses.
Yet, in the 2025 preseason poll, it’s Texas A&M-Texarkana (TAMUT)—the team OLLU defeated in the tournament—that takes the top spot, earning four first-place votes. Xavier (La.) comes in second with one first-place nod, while OLLU, despite their championship pedigree, sits in third place with just one first-place vote.
Rounding out the poll are Louisiana Christian (4th), Jarvis Christian (5th), and Texas College (6th).
The conference shrinks to six teams this year following the departure of Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn, while University of the Southwest has paused its volleyball program for the season.
Voting was conducted by the RRAC’s head coaches, using a 6-5-4-3-2-1 points system.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has named Ross Marzetti as the new head coach of its men’s and women’s tennis programs. The appointment marks a significant step for the former Saints student-athlete and assistant coach, who brings deep ties to the university and a clear vision for the program’s future.
Marzetti is no stranger to the OLLU campus. He competed as a student-athlete for the Saints and has served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons. His time as both a player and coach has shaped his philosophy and strengthened his connection to the university, making this new role a natural progression.
Before returning to OLLU as a coach, Marzetti built experience as both a competitor and mentor, contributing to the program’s growing reputation in the Red River Athletic Conference. Last season, he played a key role in helping the women’s team capture a conference championship in an inspiring postseason run. That success, along with his deep commitment to player development, helped pave the way for his promotion. The men’s team also had an historic season, finishing 20-2 on the year while also reaching a program high ranking of third nationally.
As head coach, Marzetti will oversee both programs with a focus on building a culture of hard work, mutual respect, and consistent improvement. His approach to coaching is development-focused, with a strong emphasis on creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive on the court, in the classroom, and as members of the community.
In terms of recruiting, Marzetti looks for more than just tennis talent. He prioritizes student-athletes who are competitive, coachable, and committed to being part of a team-first culture. His goal is to continue growing the program in a way that reflects OLLU’s values—while maintaining high standards for academic and athletic achievement.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to lead the same program that helped shape who I am today,” Marzetti said.
Marzetti succeeds former head coach Dave Watts, who served as both a mentor and foundational figure in the program’s recent success. Building on that momentum, Marzetti aims to elevate the Saints’ presence in the conference while fostering leadership and character among his players.
Marzetti extends his gratitude to Athletic Director Tom Norris and Assistant Athletic Director Haley Holzem for their leadership and support during the hiring process.
Athletic Director Tom Norris had the following statement,
“We are excited to welcome Ross as the next head coach of our men’s and women’s tennis program. Ross brings a unique perspective as a former OLLU Tennis student-athlete and as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. He has helped build the program into the national contender it is today, and we look forward to watching him continue to sustain a high level of success on the court and in the classroom. “
Coach Marzetti begins his new role immediately and is currently preparing the Saints for the upcoming fall season.
