Sports – Page 4 – Lake Weekly

Saints, Drovers Trade Wins in Top-10 Showdown

Ninth-ranked Our Lady of the Lake split a doubleheader against No. 5 Science and Arts, dropping the opener 6-3 before responding with a 7-2 victory.

In Game 1, Science and Arts capitalized on timely hitting to secure the win despite being outhit 11-7. The Drovers struck early and built a steady offensive rhythm behind multi-hit performances from Kinzie Williams and Jordan Ramsay. Ramsay drove in two runs and scored twice, while Malea McMurtrey added a pair of RBIs.

Our Lady of the Lake generated consistent traffic on the bases but struggled to convert opportunities, leaving 12 runners stranded. Lilly Rocha led the Saints with a perfect 4-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Boston Tijerina added two hits and scored a run. Caitlin Casas contributed a pair of RBIs, and Arianna Alejandro chipped in two hits of her own.

Science and Arts pitcher Aubree Ferguson earned the complete-game victory, allowing three runs on 11 hits while working around three walks. Annika Litterio took the loss for OLLU, surrendering five runs, four earned, over 3.2 innings of work.

The Saints bounced back in Game 2 with a more efficient offensive showing, scoring seven runs on six hits while taking advantage of six walks. Arianna Alejandro reached base four times and scored twice, while Lilly Rocha continued her strong day with two hits and two RBIs. Caitlin Casas and Yezenia Perez each drove in a run, and Tania Rodriguez delivered a key two-RBI contribution.

In the circle, OLLU combined for a strong outing from Valeria Vielma and Annika Litterio. Vielma allowed one run over 3.1 innings, and Litterio closed the door with 3.2 innings of relief, striking out six and allowing just one run to earn the win.

Science and Arts managed six hits in the second game, with Kinzie Williams and Maddy Baber each recording an RBI. However, nine strikeouts and limited opportunities with runners in scoring position hindered their ability to keep pace.

With the split, Our Lady of the Lake demonstrated resilience against a top-five opponent, bouncing back from a Game 1 setback with a decisive win to close the doubleheader.

OLLU Drops Contest to Huston-Tillotson in One-Run Battle

Our Lady of the Lake dropped a tightly contested matchup to Huston-Tillotson, falling 5-4 despite outhitting the Rams 9-7.

The Saints generated steady offense throughout the game, collecting nine hits and putting pressure on Huston-Tillotson pitching. Joshua Milton and Benjamin Hovda each drove in a run, while Christian Martinez provided a spark off the bench with a pinch-hit double and later came around to score.

Jack Kalisky also crossed the plate for OLLU, and Diego Zuniga and Hovda each recorded multi-hit performances to lead the Saints at the plate. OLLU showed aggressiveness on baserunning as well, swiping three bases in the contest.

Huston-Tillotson answered with timely hitting, scoring five runs on seven hits. Trey Garza led the way with two RBIs, while Noah Alvarez, Jaden Corzine and Kendall Brown each contributed a run batted in. The Rams capitalized on key opportunities late to pull ahead.

On the mound, OLLU received a strong start from Josh Ruiz, who allowed just two hits and no earned runs over three innings while striking out four. The Saints used a bullpen by committee the rest of the way, with Ethan Garza, Matthew Sanchez, Xavior Salazar and Nolan Nicholson combining to cover the final five innings. Sanchez was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in his inning of work.

Huston-Tillotson starter Bryce Sanchez earned the win, limiting OLLU to one earned run over six innings, while Adrian German secured the save with three innings of relief.

The Saints will be back in action this weekend as they will travel to take on defending national champions in LSU-Shreveport.

Our Lady of the Lake Cruises to 7–0 Win at Home

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a commanding performance at home, securing a decisive 7–0 victory over the University of Dallas in women’s tennis competition. Competing as part of the NAIA Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU controlled the match from the opening doubles contests through the final singles point demonstrating composure across the lineup.

The Saints established early momentum in doubles play. The pairing of Muller and Guerrero set the tone at the No. 1 position with a clean 6–0 result, applying constant pressure and limiting opportunities for their opponents. At No. 2 doubles, Laure and Peters mirrored that dominance with another 6–0 victory, showcasing strong communication and efficient net play. With the doubles point secured, OLLU carried confidence into singles competition.

In singles, the Saints continued their sweep with disciplined and focused performances on every court. At No. 1, Guerrero controlled the pace throughout, earning a straight-sets win, 6–0, 6–2. Pisar followed with a flawless 6–0, 6–0 victory at No. 2, maintaining precision from the baseline. Laure and Peters each delivered identical 6–0, 6–0 results at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively, reinforcing the team’s dominance.

The lower half of the lineup remained equally strong. Chambon secured another straight-sets win at No. 5, 6–0, 6–0, while Muller was awarded the No. 6 match by default, closing out the final point of the contest.

OLLU Women’s Tennis Battles Back for Narrow Victory Over Dillard

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s tennis team faced a competitive set of matchups in recent play, navigating challenging opponents in Louisiana Christian University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dillard University. Across these contests, the Saints demonstrated the ability to secure critical singles and doubles victories, highlighted by several standout performances.

The season stretch began against Louisiana Christian University, where the Saints fell 4-1. In doubles action, OLLU found success on the third court, with Laure and Peters defeating Uchiyama and Ferrer Martinez 6-3, while the top two doubles matches went in favor of the Lady Wildcats. Singles play showcased competitive efforts from the Saints lineup. Uchiyama earned a key 7-5, 6-4 victory over Chambon at No. 6 singles, and Rodrigues contributed with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Pisar at No. 2. Despite these individual successes, Louisiana Christian captured the overall team victory, leaving OLLU with valuable experience and lessons from the match.

The Saints faced Xavier University of Louisiana, where they were narrowly defeated 4-0. The Xavier doubles teams secured the early point, including decisive wins over Pisar and Chambon and also Laure and Peters. In singles, OLLU’s Guerrero and Peters faced tough losses, while other matches were unfinished once the team result was determined.

In the most recent contest, OLLU earned a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Dillard University. The Saints captured the doubles point on the top court, with Pisar and Chambon defeating Chen and Peres 5-4, setting the tone for a tightly contested match. Singles victories from Guerrero (6-3, 6-4), Peters (6-4, 7-6), and Laure (6-3, 6-1) proved decisive, allowing OLLU to overcome deficits on other courts and secure the overall team win.

While early losses against Louisiana Christian and Xavier presented challenges, the team’s competitive spirit and ability to rebound against Dillard signal growth and promise as the season progresses. The Saints will be back in action against Texas A&M-Texarkana on Saturday.

Women’s Tennis Moves Up In Latest NAIA Coaches Top 25 Poll

Louisiana Christian made the most significant upward movement in the third installment of the 2026 NAIA Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, climbing to No. 15 from No. 18 in a poll that saw little movement since the last edition, in February. No. 1 through No. 7 stayed the same, as Keiser (Fla.) claimed all 12 first-place votes to remain atop the poll.

One team moved into the poll, Texas A&M-Texarkana, at No. 25, and there’s one tie, between Georgia Gwinnett and Our Lady of the Lake (Texas), at No. 16. The next poll is scheduled for March 25.

View The Full Top 25 Poll

Saints Claim Eighth Straight Win

Our Lady of the Lake produced a strong all-around performance Wednesday, defeating Huston–Tillotson 16–2 behind a dominant outing from starting pitcher Josh Ruiz and a balanced offensive effort that produced 14 hits.

Ruiz earned the win after pitching a complete seven innings. He allowed just three hits and two runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out eight and walking one. The right-hander threw 77 pitches, 61 for strikes, and kept Huston–Tillotson from generating consistent offensive pressure throughout the game.

At the plate, the Saints capitalized on scoring opportunities early and often. Benjamin Hovda reached base three times, scored three runs, drove in two, and added two stolen bases. Jack Kalisky finished with two hits and three runs scored, including a double that helped fuel the early offense.

Diego Zuniga led the Saints with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with five runs batted in and two doubles. His timely hitting helped extend several innings and build the Saints lead.

Jacob Cueva also delivered a productive day, collecting two doubles and two RBIs. Brett Atkinson recorded two hits, including a double, while scoring twice and driving in one. Aiden Gonzalez added two hits and two RBIs, and Mason Ruiz contributed a double and an RBI.

Our Lady of the Lake remained aggressive on the bases as well. Hovda stole two bases, Derek Hernandez added two steals after reaching base, and Atkinson contributed another as the Saints continued to pressure the Huston–Tillotson defense.

Huston–Tillotson scored its runs on a solo home run from Jacob Perez and a sacrifice fly from Danny Hernandez. However, the Rams managed only three hits in the game and struck out eight times against Ruiz. After Huston–Tillotson starter Edgar Muniz allowed four runs in three innings, the Saints continued to add to their lead against the bullpen, including a five-run stretch during the middle innings that put the game out of reach.

The Saints will be back in action this Friday at 6:00 PM CDT to start their home stand against Texas A&M-Texarkana.

Litterio Wins Third RRAC Pitcher Of The Week Honors

The RRAC announces Texas A&M-Victoria’s Alyssa Carter as Softball Player of the Week and ninth-ranked Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Annika Litterio as Pitcher of the Week for the dates of March 2-8. This is the sixth set of weekly awards.Senior right-handed pitcher Annika Litterio pitched in all four of the Saints’ games last week. She secured two wins – Freed-Hardeman, 9-8, and (22) William Carey, 4-2. She suffered one loss against (20) Mobile (Ala.), 2-1, and one no-decision to (10) Southeastern (Fla.), 1-0. Litterio pitched 18.1 innings, allowing three unearned runs, while striking out 14. Her ERA for the week is 1.15. She also added three assists..

Litterio has 11 wins and two losses, plus one save. She pitched in a total of 68 innings and struck out 83. She is second in the RRAC with a 1.34 ERA, and first in wins and in strikeouts. This is Litterio’s third Pitcher of the Week award.

OLLU is first in the conference with a 6-0 record and 16-3 overall. The Saints are ranked ninth in the latest NAIA Softball Coaches Top 25 Poll.

OLLU Posts Top-Three Finish at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints earned a share of third place at the Schreiner Shootout, finishing in a tie in a competitive seven-team field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 46-over par, opening with a 16-over performance before carding a 30-over round on day two. Their consistent presence near the top half of the standings reflected a balanced lineup and multiple individual finishes inside the top 25.

University of the Southwest Mustangs claimed the team title at 23-over par, shooting rounds of 10-over and 13-over. Concordia Texas Tornados finished second at 30-over, highlighted by a strong 6-over opening round. OLLU tied for third with University of St. Thomas Celts, which rebounded from a 27-over first round to post a 19-over team score in the final round.

Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth at 49-over, followed closely by McMurry War Hawks at 50-over. Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 57-over.

Individually, OLLU was led by Alex Marshall, who tied for 14th at 11-over par. Victor Pena-Cortes and Niall Langley-Brook each tied for 17th at 12-over, while Juan Limon and Ozil Trey Salinas added top-25 finishes to strengthen the team total. The Saints also received contributions from their individual competitors, who gained valuable tournament experience against a deep regional field.

The tie for third place positions OLLU well as the team continues to build rhythm early in the season. Competing closely with several established programs, the Saints demonstrated depth and the potential to contend as the season progresses.

OLLU Women’s Golf Finishes Runner-Up at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints delivered a competitive performance at the Schreiner Shootout, earning a runner-up team finish against a challenging field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 81-over par, improving by five strokes from the opening round. After carding a 43-over team score on day one, OLLU responded with a 38-over performance in the second round, highlighting the team’s ability to make adjustments and close the tournament with momentum.

Odessa College Wranglers claimed the team title with an impressive 18-over total, shooting consistent rounds of 9-over in both rounds. University of St. Thomas Celts finished third at 120-over, followed by University of the Southwest Mustangs at 124-over. Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth with a 141-over total, and Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 235-over.

Individually, Samantha Garcia led OLLU with a fifth-place finish at 12-over par, setting the tone for the Saints effort. Kendall Ward showed continued improvement between rounds to finish inside the top 10, while Grayson Weiler and Sophia Young each contributed steady scores that factored into the team total. Samantha Ziegler rounded out the teams performance.

The runner-up finish reflects continued progress for OLLU as the team builds consistency early in the season. The Saints were coming off a big week the previous week as they took first place and look to continue to build the momentum going forward.

OLLU’s Ward earns RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week

Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Kendall Ward‘s outstanding performance has earned her the RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week for the dates of Feb. 23-March 1. This is the second set of the weekly awards.

RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week – Kendall Ward – Our Lady of the Lake

At Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas, the women of OLLU, led by junior Kendall Ward, captured the team title at the Crusaders Cup. Over 36 holes, OLLU finished at +111, posting rounds of +40 and +71 to secure first place ahead of eight other institutions. Ward earned a runner-up finish at +23, tying for second among a slate of 47 golfers. After an impressive +3 opening round, she battled through a tougher second day (+20) and still held her position among the tournament’s elite.

Ward is a native of Spring, Texas.