Sports – Page 18 – Lake Weekly

Dance Makes History at NAIA Championships

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) Competitive Dance team made history this weekend as they competed in the programs first-ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships.

The Saints became the first team from the state of Texas to earn a bid to the Championships. “We have had the honor of representing not only Our Lady of the Lake University and the city of San Antonio, but also the great state of Texas,” said head coach Crystal Brock. As the first dance team from Texas to compete in the NAIA Championships, we have created so many unforgettable memories.”

The Saints qualified for the National Championships by earning a first-place finish at the NAIA Dance Qualifier hosted by Loyola New Orleans earlier this month. The Saints turned in scores of 71.5 and 71.9 at the qualifier to punch their ticket to Ypsilanti.

In a very competitive and experienced field, the Saints earned an 11th place finish. Head Spirit Coach, Crystal Brock had this to say about her team. “Our dancers performed exceptionally well, executing a highly technical routine that showcased jazz, pom, and hip-hop elements. There were many standout moments throughout the week, both as a team and individually, but at the end of the day, every dancer stepped up and delivered each time we took the floor.”

During day one of competition, the Saints earned a score of 68.67 for their routine and improved in the final round of competition with a score of 69.23, bringing their final score to 69.09.

“Overall, there is so much to celebrate as we close our our season ranked 11th in the country for NAIA Dance,” continued Brock. “We always talk about “living the legacy” and leaving our mark each season, and this team has undoubtedly done just that. Their impact will be remembered – they are not part of OLLU Dance history as true legends.”

Four-year dance team member and captain Madison Smith was chosen as the teams’ NAIA Champion of Character. Brock had this to say about Smith, “Madison has grown tremendously as an athlete during her time at OLLU, but more importantly, she has taken on the role of mentor, role model, and leader for bother her teammates and future generations of dancers. As she prepares to graduate this May, we look forward to celebrating all she has accomplished.”

For a list of complete results click HERE

For the latest news, updates, and information on the OLLU Saints, fans can visit ollusaintsathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Saints news by following @ollusaintsathletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Softball Remains Perfect in RRAC with Sweep of XULA

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) softball team remained unbeaten in Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) action as they swept Xavier University of Louisiana on Friday afternoon.

The Basics

Game 1: OLLU 5, Xavier 1
Game 2: OLLU 6, Xavier 2
Records: OLLU (23-5, 10-0) Xavier (7-7, 3-5)
Location: Reserve, Louisiana (Regala Park)

Game 1 Highlights

Ava Hernandez went the distance in the circle with her ninth complete game. Hernandez allowed just one run on three hits while striking out seven.
Grace Ross and Caitlin Terrazas each finished with two hits.
Yezenia Perez drove in two runs and recorded her second triple of the season.
Hernandez retired nine straight batters from the third inning to the fifth.

Game 2 Highlights

Ross and Terrazas each recorded two hits.
Annika Litterio earned her 10th win of the season, tossing her fifth complete game of the season. The righty scattered five hits and struck out seven XULA batters.
Kayla Rogers drove in two runs.
The Saints had four stolen bases: Rogers (2), Ayanna Trejo, and Emilia Salinas.
OLLU batters did not strike out in the 6-2 victory.
The Saints scored in each of the first five innings, recording two runs in the second.

Up Next
The Saints will take on Louisiana Christian tomorrow in Pineville, Louisiana. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Ekpenyong Earns No. 1 Ranking in ITA Singles

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released the NAIA Men’s Team, Singles, and Doubles Rankings for March 13, 2025. The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) Saints are well-represented in the rankings.

As a team, the Saints have won 12 straight matches, earning them a No. 3 ranking from ITA. Overall, OLLU holds a 12-1 record on the season. The No. 3 ranking comes just days after the NAIA released its coaches’ poll, which has the Saints ranked No. 7. Both rankings are the highest in program history.

In the individual ITA rankings, sophomore David Ekpenyong became the No. 1 singles player in the country this week. Ekpenyong has posted an 8-1 record this spring, including eight straight victories after losing his first match of the spring season. On the season, the Nigeria native has earned 20 victories in singles action.

Other Saints in the rankings include Kylian Savary at No. 25 and Aymeric Bruno at No. 52.

For a list of the full rankings click HERE.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the OLLU Saints, fans can visit ollusaintsathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Saints news by following on social.

Dance Earns Bid to NAIA Championship

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) competitive dance team took part in the NAIA Dance Qualifier hosted by Loyola University New Orleans. The Saints were one of four teams at the qualifier that featured semifinal and final rounds.

In the semifinal round, the Saints earned a score of 71.5, putting them in the top spot heading into the finals.

Semifinals

OLLU – 71.5

Hope International – 67.3

Ave Maria – 66.8

Loyola – 62.7

In the finals, OLLU outdid their semifinal performance with a score of 71.9 to win the competition and earn an automatic bid to the 2025 NAIA Cheer and Dance Championships.

Finals

OLLU – 71.9

Hope International 67.7

Loyola – 67.5

Ave Maria – 66.8

The NAIA Cheer and Dance Championships will take place in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 28 and 29.

Saints Outlast D2 No. 15 St. Edward’s

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) baseball team won a wild one this afternoon as they took on NCAA Division II foe, St. Edward’s University (SEU). The Hilltoppers, who are ranked No. 15 in the latest American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) poll, plated nine runs in the final two innings but the Saints threw up a seven-spot in the top of the seventh inning to secure the victory.

Gavin Machado led off the second inning with a single up the middle and Brandon Betancourt followed by reaching on an error by the Hilltoppers pitchers that allowed Machado to score and even things at one. Jimmy Valle put OLLU in front, 2-1 with an RBI single that scored Betancourt.

SEU answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the second inning to regain the lead.

Back-to-back singles from Joshua Milton and Jack Kalisky got things going in the Saints’ half of the third and a Carlos Gusman walk loaded the bases with Machado coming to the plate. Machado lifted a ball to the outfield for a sacrifice fly, scoring Milton. Betancourt picked up his second RBI of the game to give OLLU the slim 4-3 edge.

Three runs over the next two innings would give SEU the lead once again at 6-4.

Drew Saucedo and Alex Rodriguez each drove in runs and an SEU error plated two more runs for the Saints, allowing them to take the 8-6 lead over the Hilltoppers.

The Saints scored two more in the sixth, highlighted by a Jack Kalisky homerun, which would be his first of the game. Valle also drove in his second run of the game in the inning. In the home half of the inning, SEU added a run to cut the OLLU lead to 10-7.

SEU hit two homeruns in the seventh inning as part of a five-run burst giving them the 12-10 lead.

In the eighth inning, the Saints answered with seven runs of their own including another solo homerun by Kalisky. A double later in the frame, would give Kalisky his second and third RBI of the inning. Rodriguez and Isaac Davila each earned RBI in the inning after getting hit by pitches with the bases loaded. After 7.5 innings, the Saints held a 17-12 lead.

The Hilltoppers did not go away quietly as a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning made it a one-run game heading to the ninth.

Back-to-back walks for the Hilltoppers put the go-ahead run aboard in the bottom of the ninth. OLLU pitcher Noah De La Riva got his first out of the inning on a pick-off to second base and later induced a fly out. De La Riva gave way to Domenic Martinez who faced just one batter and closed the door on the SEU comeback attempt.

De La Riva earned the win, tossing 2.2 innings and Martinez picked up the save.

Kalisky finished the game 5-for-6 at the plate with four RBI and three runs scored. Benjamyn Hovda recorded three RBI while Machado and Gusman each drove in two.

The Saints will return to action this weekend as they welcome John Melvin to Missions Baseball Academy for a three-game series. First pitch of the series is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening.

Malik White Earns All-American Honors at NAIA Indoor Nationals

Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) men’s indoor track standout Malik White impressed in his first NAIA Indoor National Championships on Saturday as the speedster finished third overall in the men’s 60m hurdles. White ran a time of 7.88, making him the second-fastest freshman in NAIA history and #14 on the NAIA all-time list in the event.

The Hammond, Louisiana native earned a spot in Saturday’s final by running a 7.96 in the prelims, good for a fifth-place finish.

Cheer and Dance Both Earn Victories at Battle in the Big Easy

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) competitive cheer and competitive dance squads competed at the Battle of the Big Easy hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana on Friday.

The dance took on Loyola University New Orleans on the day one dual. OLLU earned a score of 71.47 to earn a win over Loyola.

The cheer squad also earned a victory during day one action, defeating Texas A&M University Texarkana with a score of 73.97.

“Both dance and cheer delivered outstanding performances today,” said Head Spirit Coach Crystal Brock. “While there are a few technical elements we’ll refine for tomorrow’s championship, we are incredibly pleased with today’s results. Our seniors made unforgettable memories as they completed their final duals in NOLA during the regular season. With both teams securing first place on day one—a historic first for OLLU Spirit—there is so much to celebrate. We’re looking forward to Saturday’s matchups and the excitement ahead. There is such pride in the resilience bestowed upon each athlete and determination to uphold our team goals and standards. Every athlete is making an impact, and we are blessed with their presence. This is Providence. It’s a great day to be a SAINT!”

What They Are Saying

Taking first place today means everything to me because it’s a true reflection of our hard work and dedication. This team has been through so much together and I am so proud to share the floor with these girls. I wouldn’t want to share my senior year with anyone else. We’ve put in countless hours behind the scenes, and it’s so rewarding to see that effort recognized. I couldn’t be prouder of my team—WINGS UP, BABY!”

Dance Captain | Madison Smith

Today meant so much winning first place with a special team. We all have created bonds that are unforgettable, and we will remember every moment from today. We have come a long way from the start of this cheer squad and today was a big and exciting accomplishment. Today was a special day to be a Saint. Wings Up!

Cheer Captain| Ginobili Cobarrubias

Watching this team transform from rock bottom to its absolute best has been nothing short of inspiring. When we started, we were counted out, underestimated, and struggling to find our identity. But through relentless effort, trust, and an unbreakable commitment to growth, we turned adversity into fuel. Now, we stand at our peak—not just because of talent, but because of heart, resilience, and a refusal to quit. This journey proves that greatness isn’t given; it’s earned through sweat, sacrifice, and the belief that no challenge is too big to overcome.

Assistant Spirit Coach| Joe Gonzalez

Today was a journey, coming from a perspective where I’ve never been a part of a cheer or dance competition. This experience has been amazing. The past few days have been filled with beautiful and fun memories to last a lifetime. The excitement, positivity, and adrenaline that comes with competition is something I am blessed to be a part of. Coming in as a freshman to a completely different athletic environment has me out of my comfort zone and I am forever blessed to be a part of spirit. I’m excited for the rest of the season and future accomplishments.

First Year Perspective| Richard Gonzalez

Up Next

The Saints will continue action in New Orleans today during day two of Battle in the Big Easy.

Baseball Scores 50 runs in Series Sweep Over Texas College

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) baseball team earned a series sweep over Texas College this weekend, scoring 50 runs in three games including 31 in the series finale. The Saints’ sweep moves them to 9-13 overall and 5-4 in Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) action.

Game 1 Highlights

In his first at-bat of the series, Jack Kalisky surpassed the OLLU career homerun record with his 27th career blast, giving OLLU the early 1-0 lead.
Gavin Machado doubled and gave way to pinch runner Christian Martinez who later scored on a Vincent Banda double to put OLLU in front, 2-0.
Texas College scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the first via a solo homerun.
Banda drove in Martinez once again in the third to make it 3-0.
Criztian Delgado sent a ball over the right field fence for a two-run blast. 5-0 OLLU
Drew Saucedo recorded an RBI double in the inning to make it 6-0.
Isaac Davila drove in two runs and Kalisky capped off the inning with his second homerun of the game, a two-run shot.
The Saints led 10-1 after 2.5 innings.
OLLU plated four more runs in the fifth to extend their lead to 14-1.
Donovan Gamez earned the win on the mound in game one of the series, tossing five innings and striking out seven.

Game 2 Highlights

Banda got things started for the Saints in game two, driving in Davila to make it 1-0.
OLLU added a run in the third to take a 2-0 lead.
An RBI double by the Steer in the seventh cut the OLLU lead to 2-1.
Joshua Milton drove in a run in the eighth and the Saints took advantage of a wild pitch to plate another run, making it 4-1.
Texas College answered with a run in the home half of the eighth, making it 4-2.
Kalisky came around to score on a Delgado double as the Saints added an insurance run in the ninth.
Texas College plated a run in their final at-bat to make it 5-3.
Devin Benavides struck out 13 Steer batters over 8.1 innings of work to earn the victory.

Game 3 Highlights

The Saints scored 31 runs in a dominant win over the Steer. The program record in a game is 33 set by the Saints in 2023 against Texas College.
Kalisky finished the game with six RBI while Ben Hovda drove in five runs.
Gavin Machado and Alex Rodriguez each had three RBI.
The Saints hit five homeruns in the game (Rodriguez, Machado, Diego Zuniga, Brett Atkinson, Hovda).
OLLU drew 16 walks.
Domenic Martinez earned the win, going five innings and striking out seven.
Javier Hinojosa tossed an inning, allowing just one hit.

Up Next

The Saints will return to Missions Baseball Academy this weekend as they host LSU Alexandria in a three-game series. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

Softball Extends Win Streak to Six with Sweep of UHV

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) softball team extended its winning streak to six games on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) foe, the University of Houston Victoria (UHV). The Saints remain undefeated in RRAC action on the season.

Game 1 Highlights

Lilly Rocha led the game off with a triple and scored after a sacrifice fly from Yezenia Perez.
Grace Ross doubled and Caitlin Terrazas walked. Both would later scored on an RBI triple from Ava Hernandez, giving the Saints an early 3-0 lead.
Kristee Salas reached on a hit by pitch to start the second inning and scored on Ross’ second double in as many innings.
Salas picked up an RBI in the third and Emilia Salinas scored on a UHV error to give OLLU a 6-0 lead.
UHV plated two runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 6-2.
A sacrifice fly from Rocha scored Salas reached on a single to lead off the inning. Salas moved to second on a passed ball and to third on a sacrifice bunt by Alyssa Garcia.
Hernandez went the distance in the circle, allowing two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Game 2 Highlights

Rocha got things started in the first inning with a single to right field and would advance to second on a sacrifice bunt from Perez. Ross singled to score Rocha and give the Saints a 1-0 advantage.
Caitlin Casas drew a one-out walk in the second and score on Rocha’s second single of the game.
Ross led off the fifth with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from Terrazas. An Alyssa Flores single plated Ross to extend the OLLU lead to 2-0. Garcia doubled to left center with two Saints aboard, gibing OLLU a 5-0 lead.
Annika Litterio dominated UHV from the circle, tossing a complete game three-hitter and striking out nine, including the side in the bottom of the seventh.

Up Next

The Saints return home to welcome Huston-Tillotson on Tuesday, March 4. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m.

Softball Rolls Past Huston-Tillotson

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) softball team cruised past Huston-Tillotson on Tuesday in a Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) doubleheader. The Saints scored a combined 36 runs to extend their win streak to eight games.

Game 1 Highlights

The Saints struck early, scoring 10 runs in the first inning.
OLLU added nine runs in the third inning to make it 19-0.
Alyssa Flores finished the game 3-for-3 with three RBI, including a solo homerun.
Grace Ross drove in three runs, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning.
Alyssa Garcia went 3-for-4 at the plate and drove in a run.
Brianna Ramirez was 2-for-2 with three RBI.
Danika Jimenez was 2-for-2 with two runs scored.
Jazlyn Gomez drove in two runs and scored two runs.
Yezenia Perez finished 1-for-1 with two RBI.
Ava Hernandez had a two-RBI double in the first inning.
The Saints drew six walks and did not strike out in the game.
Hernandez earned the win in the circle, tossing three innings and allowing just one hit.
Chloe Booth struck out two batters in two innings of work.

Game 2 Highlights

OLLU scored a run in every inning.
Caitlin Casas had a team-high four RBI.
Salas was 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Kayla Rogers went 2-for-2 at the plate with two runs scored.
Lilly Rocha and Salas each hit homeruns in the win.
Annika Litterio moved to 8-1 in the circle, tossing three innings and allowing just one hit.
Valeria Vielma allowed one run on three hits in two innings of work.

Up Next

The Saints hit the road to Branson, Missouri this week to compete in the Branson Grand Slam. Their first game will be on Thursday against Williams Baptist at 4:00 p.m. CT