Category: Sports

OLLU Powers Past St. Mary’s In Two-Game Sweep

The Our Lady of the Lake University softball team delivered a commanding two-game sweep over the St. Mary’s University Rattlers, combining timely hitting and steady pitching to secure 7-2 and 9-6 victories.

In the opener, the Saints set the tone early and never relinquished control behind a balanced offensive attack that produced 12 hits. Arianna Alejandro sparked the lineup with two runs scored, while Boston Tijernia powered the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Marisa Rosales turned in one of the game’s standout performances, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and an RBI as part of a two-run effort.

Yezenia Perez added a triple and drove in a run, and Novalee Gloria contributed a pair of hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Reanna Aguirre and Alyssa Guzman each brought in a run as the Saints capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Inside the circle, Annika Litterio delivered a complete-game performance to earn the win and improve to 4-1 on the season. She scattered seven hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out seven across seven innings, throwing 128 pitches with 76 strikes. 

The Saints carried that offensive rhythm into game two, erupting for nine runs on 12 hits to complete the sweep. Alejandro once again ignited the lineup, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Tijernia delivered the biggest blow of the afternoon, going 2-for-5 with a double and four RBIs to anchor the offense.

Yezenia Perez continued her strong series with two hits and three RBIs, while Alyssa Guzman went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and scored once. Reanna Aguirre added two runs, and the Saints drew four walks to keep pressure on the Rattlers’ pitching staff.

Valeria Vielma earned the win in the circle for the Saints, moving to 2-0 after working four innings with five strikeouts. Litterio returned in relief to secure her first save of the season, allowing one run over three innings while striking out two to close out the 9-6 victory.

Across both games, Our Lady of the Lake combined disciplined at-bats with consistent pitching to outscore the Rattlers 16-8. The Saints will be back in action this weekend against Xavier (LA) in a series at New Orleans starting on Friday. 

Saints Soar Past Eagles

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered an efficient and well-balanced performance in its 84–71 victory over Texas A&M University–Texarkana, showcasing offensive consistency and disciplined execution on both ends of the floor.

The Saints shot 47.3 percent from the field (26-of-55) and were particularly effective from three-point range, connecting on 11-of-27 attempts (40.7 percent). Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the team with 21 points, including three three-pointers, and converted 8-of-9 free throws to anchor the offense. Barack Holland added 19 points with three three-pointers of his own, while contributing five rebounds and two steals.

Jermey Irwin provided 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and Isaiah Moore added 12 points and six rebounds. Santiago Ochoa contributed across multiple categories, finishing with six rebounds and a team-high five assists, helping guide an offense that recorded 14 assists on 26 made field goals.

The Saints also received key contributions from their bench. Matthew Gonzalez was efficient from beyond the arc, hitting both of his three-point attempts for six points. Caleb Richardson added four points and four rebounds in limited minutes, while Davonte Durst provided three assists off the bench to maintain offensive flow.

Our Lady of the Lake controlled the game through perimeter shooting, free throw efficiency (21-of-28, 75 percent), and ball security. The Saints committed just 13 turnovers compared to Texarkana’s 15 and generated nine steals defensively.

The Saints will be back in action Saturday against LSU-Shreveport at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Senior day.

Peña-Cortes Leads OLLU with Impressive Top-10 Finish

Our Lady of the Lake University entered the tournament prepared to compete in a deep and talented field, and the Saints delivered moments that underscored the program’s growth and competitive potential over 54 demanding holes.

Leading the way for OLLU was Victor Peña-Cortes, who finished tied for ninth at 5-over par. Peña-Cortes set the tone early with an impressive 4-under opening round, one of the lowest scores in the field. His ability to attack the course and position himself among the tournament leaders highlighted OLLU’s play. Despite a challenging final round, his top-10 finish demonstrated the ability to contend against some of the region’s strongest programs.

Niall Langley-Brook and Alex Marshall each secured a tie for 13th at 13-over, providing steady contributions throughout the event. Both players showed composure across the first two rounds and remained competitive in a tightly packed leaderboard. Their performances reflect the foundation the team continues to build as the season progresses.

Juan Limon added a 21st-place finish, battling through each round with determination and providing critical experience in a competitive divisional setting. Fernando Limon rounded out the Saints efforts, continuing to gain valuable tournament reps that will contribute to the team’s development moving forward.

While the final standings reflect the challenges of a three-round tournament, OLLU’s performance revealed significant positives. The Saints proved they can produce low rounds and stay within reach of the leaderboard against established programs.

Women’s Tennis Falls To Rattlers

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s tennis team faced a determined Saint Mary’s University squad in a hard-fought match that reflected both the resilience and competitive spirit of the Saints. Although the final result favored Saint Mary’s, OLLU demonstrated poise, perseverance, and flashes of brilliance throughout the contest.

Doubles play opened the afternoon with tightly contested battles on every court. At No. 1 doubles, Anja Pisar and Maeva Chambon challenged Selina Wu and Gia Posito with steady rallies and strong net presence, ultimately falling 6–3 in a match that showcased their growing chemistry. The No. 2 pairing of Marie Peters and Ely Laure pushed even closer, engaging in extended exchanges and keeping the score tight before Saint Mary’s edged them 7–5. OLLU secured a highlight at No. 3 doubles, where Michaela Muller and Carolina Guerrero executed with confidence and composure to earn a 7–5 victory, demonstrating the depth and competitive edge within the Saints lineup.

In singles play, OLLU continued to compete with determination against a disciplined Saint Mary’s team. Carolina Guerrero faced a tough opponent at No. 1 singles, battling through long points despite a 6–2, 6–2 result. Anja Pisar and Marie Peters encountered similarly challenging matches at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, each fighting for momentum against consistent opposition.

The brightest moment of the day came from Ely Laure at No. 4 singles. After dropping the first set in a tiebreak, Laure responded with grit and focus, taking control of the second set 7–0 in a dominant tiebreak performance. She carried that momentum into the deciding set, closing it out 6–3 to earn a well-deserved three-set victory. Her performance embodied the resilience and competitive heart that define the OLLU program.

Maeva Chambon also showed remarkable determination at No. 5 singles, extending her match into a third set after claiming a hard-fought second-set tiebreak. Though the final set narrowly slipped away, her effort underscored the team’s refusal to back down. Michaela Muller competed steadily at No. 6, engaging in physical rallies and demonstrating composure throughout her match.

While the final team score did not fall in OLLU’s favor, the Saints left the courts with valuable experience and clear signs of progress as they start their season. 

Saints Rally Falls Just Short in 3–2 Battle with Huston-Tillotson


Our Lady of the Lake battled until the final out but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Huston-Tillotson, as early runs proved to be the difference despite a resilient effort from the Saints pitching staff and flashes of timely hitting.

The tone of the afternoon was set in the opening frames when Huston-Tillotson capitalized on its early opportunities. Mason Krahn drew the start for OLLU and worked through traffic, but the Rams strung together three runs in the first two innings. Tucker Allen led the charge, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Noah Alvarez added an RBI of his own, and Danny Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to account for the third run. Huston-Tillotson managed six hits on the day, but their ability to convert early chances ultimately separated the two clubs.

From that point forward, OLLU’s pitching steadied the contest and gave the Saints every opportunity to rally. Josh Ruiz delivered a dominant relief appearance, tossing 5 scoreless innings while striking out nine and allowing just two hits. Ethan Garza followed with two shutout frames, fanning three more. Together, the trio limited the Rams to six hits and struck out 14 batters, keeping the deficit within reach throughout the afternoon.

Offensively, the Saints found momentum midway through the game. Christian Martinez sparked the lineup with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double, and scored one of OLLU’s two runs. Carlos Gusman showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks and crossing home as well. The Saints finished with five hits and worked four walks, pressuring the Rams’ bullpen in the later innings.

After Nathaniel Davila held OLLU to two hits across five scoreless innings with six strikeouts, the Saints broke through against reliever Adrian German. Taking advantage of defensive miscues, OLLU pushed across two unearned runs to narrow the margin to one. However, despite placing runners on base and threatening late, the Saints stranded seven and were unable to deliver the tying hit.

Benjamin Hovda and Jacob Cueva each contributed a hit, while CaliEvan Billela-Barstow added another and swiped a base to ignite a late push. Still, the Rams bullpen combination of Chris Rodriguez and Evan Mendoza closed the door, striking out three over the final 2 innings to secure the narrow victory.

The Saints will be back in action this Friday at 2:00 PM CDT against John Melvin University in a weekend series. 

OLLU Sweeps Doubles Early, Seals Match with Singles Wins

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a strong overall performance against Collin County Community College, earning key victories across the lineup to secure an impressive team win built on depth and composure.

The Saints set the tone early in doubles play, capturing the crucial doubles point with a sweep on all three courts. At No. 1 doubles, Corentin Fusaro and Jacob Gailey controlled the match from the outset, earning a 6-3 victory behind steady serving and confident net play. Jaroslav Majsajdr and Matis Nuziere followed with a commanding 6-2 win at No. 2, dictating tempo with aggressive baseline consistency. The most tightly contested battle came at No. 3, where Eliott Costa and Bastien Prod’homme edged their opponents 7-6, showing poise in the tiebreak to complete the sweep.

In singles, the Saints continued to apply pressure. Majsajdr delivered a composed straight-sets win at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-3, controlling rallies and limiting unforced errors. Fusaro added another point at No. 4 with a 6-4, 6-2 decision, while Nuziere was dominant at No. 6, conceding just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 performance.

Bastien Prod’homme showcased resilience at No. 3 singles. After taking the first set 6-2 and dropping the second 4-6, he regrouped and secured the decisive third set 6-4, demonstrating mental toughness in the closing games.

At No. 1 singles, Gabriel Nogueira represented the Saints in a tightly contested three-set battle. After winning the opening set 6-3, he pushed the second set to 5-7 before competing in a deciding match tiebreak. Though the match ultimately favored Collin County’s Luis Andre Oliva, Nogueira’s effort reflected the competitive intensity at the top of the lineup.

Eliott Costa also faced a demanding three-set contest at No. 5. After splitting two close sets, the match was decided in a match tiebreak that narrowly went to Collin County. Despite the result, Costa’s endurance and fight highlighted the Saints depth as they start the bulk of their season.

Dede’s Late Layup Lifts OLLU Past North American in Overtime

Our Lady of the Lake earned a statement 66–65 overtime victory over North American, showcasing composure, toughness, and execution when it mattered most.

The Saints weathered a physical, back-and-forth battle through regulation, refusing to break despite consistent pressure from North American. OLLU stayed within striking distance behind strong interior play and timely stops, forcing overtime in a game where every possession was contested.

In the extra period, the Saints delivered the defining plays. With the game tied in the final minute, Shayla Dede attacked the lane and finished a decisive layup to give Our Lady of the Lake the lead. OLLU followed with disciplined defense down the stretch, closing out the game and securing the one-point win.

Dede led the Saints with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while also setting the tone with her late-game poise. Alexandra Westerdijk Martin matched her with 18 points and dominated the paint, pulling down 15 rebounds and shooting efficiently throughout the night. Macie Moss added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Isabella Jaramillo logged 43 minutes, contributing nine points and steady leadership in overtime.

Our Lady of the Lake’s advantage at the free-throw line proved critical, as the Saints converted 14 of 20 attempts. OLLU also matched North American’s physicality on the boards and delivered timely defensive stops when the game hung in the balance.

The overtime win reflected the Saints resilience and belief, highlighted by Dede’s clutch basket and a complete team effort that lifted Our Lady of the Lake past North American in a tightly contested finish. OLLU will be back in action Saturday against Xavier University at 1:00 PM CDT at home. 

Our Lady of the Lake Baseball Gains National Recognition from Perfect Game

The Our Lady of the Lake Saints earned national recognition from Perfect Game with a 25* ranking, a nod that reflects both the results of the 2025 season and the growing respect for the program’s trajectory. Finishing 30–23 overall and fourth in the Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU continued a steady rise that has now produced two 30-win seasons in the last three years. What once felt like an under-the-radar climb is beginning to look more like a foundation for sustained success, with the Saints positioning themselves as an emerging force within the conference.

Head Coach Matt Piker had the following to say:

“This recognition is exciting for our program, young men, and our department. It’s the student-athletes that earn things like this with how they play and how they operate. Our focus, however, will continue to be on the next thing in front of us.”

The 2025 campaign showcased an offense that developed into one of the league’s most dangerous units and returns largely intact. Joshua Milton emerged as a late-season catalyst, leading the team with a .433 batting average after carving out a regular role. Jack Kalisky anchored the lineup as the Saints most complete hitter, batting .379 while leading the team in nearly every major offensive category, including 15 home runs. Carlos Gusman provided consistency and production at third base with a .353 average, Drew Saucedo brought speed and energy to the top of the order with a .321 average, 16 stolen bases, and 12 extra-base hits, and Benjamyn Hovda added depth and balance in the corner outfield after a solid .297 season. Together, that nucleus gives OLLU length, versatility, and the ability to pressure opponents throughout the lineup.

While the offense set the tone, the next step for the Saints lies on the mound. Donovan Gamez returns as the unquestioned ace after an 11–3 season with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 91 batters across 86 innings while allowing just 71 hits. His performance, followed by a dominant summer as a closer in the Western Canadian Baseball League, established him as one of the program’s most reliable arms. Behind him, the development of depth will be pivotal. Matthew Sanchez showed promise out of the bullpen, Christian Perez and Kalisky flashed swing-and-miss stuff, and transfer Noah Ferraro arrives from Dallas College Brookhaven with a proven track record, highlighted by a 2.06 ERA over 52⅓ innings. Additional transfers, Max Benton and Omar Rodriguez, further bolster competition and options within the staff.

Perfect Game’s 25* ranking underscores a season that was about more than wins and losses; it recognized a program building toward something bigger. With a productive offensive core, continuity on the coaching staff, and a pitching staff that has both a proven leader and growing depth, the Saints enter 2026 with momentum and belief. The pieces are in place for OLLU to turn national recognition into a true breakthrough and firmly establish itself as a contender in the Red River Athletic Conference.

OLLU Holds Strong to Tame Southwest Mustangs

Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball earned a hard-fought 72–68 victory over Southwest, using balanced scoring and timely defensive stops to pull out the win.

The Saints shot 47.5 percent from the field and placed multiple players in double figures, allowing them to withstand several Southwest runs throughout the game. Jermey Irwin led OLLU with 14 points, adding six rebounds and three assists while converting 4-of-5 attempts from the free-throw line. Barack Holland matched Irwin with 14 points off the bench, providing a key scoring lift in extended minutes.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop contributed 11 points on efficient shooting, while Santiago Ochoa recorded a strong all-around performance with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. OLLU controlled the glass with a 33–25 rebounding advantage, helping limit second-chance opportunities and maintain possession in critical stretches.

Defensively, the Saints forced 12 Southwest turnovers and held firm late despite strong individual performances from the opposition. Southwest was led by Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points, and EJay Scroggins, who added 17 points along with four assists and four blocks. However, missed free throws and OLLU’s defensive discipline down the stretch prevented Southwest from completing a comeback.

With steady contributions across the lineup and composure in closing moments, Our Lady of the Lake secured the four-point win and extended their win streak to three. The Saints will be back in action on Thursday night against North American at home.

Saints Continue Hot Streak with 81–56 Win Over Southwest

Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor, defeating Southwest 81–56 behind efficient shooting and strong rebounding.

The Saints established control early and maintained it throughout the contest, shooting 52.6 percent from the field and knocking down 10 three-pointers. OLLU’s balanced offensive attack featured four players scoring in double figures, led by Alexandra Westerdijk Martin, who finished with a game-high 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. She also dominated the glass with 14 rebounds, providing a steady interior presence on both ends.

Shayla Dede added 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists while playing 36 minutes, consistently creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. Macie Moss contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, and Evangeline Hernandez provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three made three-pointers. Samantha Fields was perfect from beyond the arc, going 3-for-3 on her way to nine points.

OLLU controlled the rebounding battle 44–20, limiting Southwest to just six offensive rebounds and few second-chance opportunities. The Saints also shared the ball effectively, recording 17 assists, with Isabella Jaramillo leading the way with six assists to go along with six rebounds.

Defensively, Our Lady of the Lake held Southwest to 22.7 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. Southwest was led by Karinna Ortiz, who scored 22 points, and Seniya Wilson, who added 16, largely from the free-throw line. However, consistent defensive pressure and disciplined team defense prevented Southwest from building any sustained momentum. Our Lady of the Lake secured a convincing victory and continued to show depth and balance across the lineup. The Saints now have won four in a row and look to extend that streak as they will go up against North American on Thursday at 5:30 PM CDT at home.