Sports – Page 8 – Lake Weekly

Westerdijk Martin Named RRAC Defensive Player of the Week

Alexandra Westerdijk Martin of Our Lady of the Lake University was named the Red River Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week for games played Jan. 19–25, recognizing a performance that was both statistically dominant and nationally significant. The senior guard anchored the Saints’ defense in a 53–51 victory over the University of North Texas at Dallas, producing a game-high 11 rebounds and a game-high seven steals in one of the lowest-scoring, most defensive-oriented contests of the week across the conference.

Westerdijk Martin’s rebounding effort included four offensive rebounds and seven defensive boards, providing OLLU with critical extra possessions and limiting UNTD’s second-chance opportunities in a two-point game. Her seven steals disrupted offensive rhythm throughout the night and were a central factor in OLLU’s ability to control tempo and close out the win.

On the season, Westerdijk Martin continues to distinguish herself as one of the most productive defensive players in the conference. She leads OLLU with 201 total rebounds and ranks second on the team with 214 points. In conference games, she leads the RRAC with 101 defensive rebounds, and across all games she is first in the conference in offensive rebounds. Nationally, she ranks first in the NAIA with 201 total rebounds, averaging 10.6 rebounds per game.

Westerdijk Martin’s consistency and defensive impact have been constant. Her ability to influence games through rebounding, steals, and positional defense continues to set her apart within the RRAC.

Saints Push UNT Dallas Wire to Wire in Hard-Fought Matchup

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball battled with resilience and effort but came up short in a 72–67 loss to UNT Dallas in a competitive contest that remained within reach throughout. Despite the final score, OLLU showed balance, toughness, and strong individual performances that reflected the team’s growth and composure.

The Saints were led offensively by Santiago Ochoa, who delivered an efficient and assertive performance. Ochoa finished with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, knocked down both of his three-point attempts, and pulled down nine rebounds, anchoring OLLU on both ends of the floor. His consistency kept the Saints in striking distance and set the tone for much of the game.

Barack Holland provided a strong spark off the bench, contributing 12 points in 17 minutes while shooting 5-of-8 from the field. Kenyon Elliott added 10 points and five rebounds, while Jermey Irwin chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, and two steals, showcasing OLLU’s effort on the glass and in transition. As a team, the Saints shot 43.3 percent from the field and were perfect at the free-throw line, converting all nine attempts.

Defensively, OLLU stayed active, recording seven steals and four blocks, with multiple players contributing to pressure and rim protection. While turnovers proved costly at key moments, the Saints continued to compete, matching UNT Dallas physicality and responding to scoring runs with poise.

Though the result did not fall in their favor, Our Lady of the Lake displayed discipline, depth, and strong execution against a tough opponent. The performance highlighted the Saints’ ability to compete at a high level and sets a solid foundation moving forward as they continue to build momentum throughout the season. The Saints will be back in action Thursday against Texas College at 7:30 PM CDT.

Our Lady of the Lake Holds Off UNT Dallas for 53–51 Victory

Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball earned a 53–51 victory over UNT Dallas, using balanced scoring, rebounding, and defensive pressure to secure the win.

OLLU shot 38.6 percent from the field (22-of-57) and held UNT Dallas to 34.5 percent shooting (20-of-58). The Saints also won the rebounding battle 41–34, including 13 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities.

Samantha Fields led OLLU with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, adding five rebounds, five steals, and two assists in 35 minutes. Macie Moss contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Amya Miller-Singleton provided a strong spark off the bench with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting and five rebounds in 14 minutes. Alexandra Westerdijk Martin filled the stat sheet with six points, a game-high 11 rebounds, four assists, and seven steals. Shayla Dede added five points, two assists, and a block, and Isabella Jaramillo finished with four points and four rebounds.

Defensively, OLLU forced 28 turnovers and recorded 16 steals, limiting UNT Dallas offensive rhythm throughout the game. The Saints committed 30 turnovers of their own, but offset them with rebounding and timely scoring.

OLLU went 5-of-7 from the free-throw line, while UNT Dallas shot 5-of-10. The Saints also knocked down four three-pointers to UNT Dallas six but made up the difference with interior scoring and rebounding. The win was sealed by OLLU’s defensive stops late, preserving the two-point margin at the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action next week against Texas College at home on January 29th at 5:30 PM CDT.

OLLU Men Roll Past Texas College

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a strong, complete performance in a 94–72 victory over Texas College, controlling the game with physicality on both ends of the floor.

OLLU set the tone early by attacking the paint and crashing the glass, finishing with a decisive 54–31 rebounding advantage. Kenyon Elliott anchored that effort with a double-double, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds while battling consistently inside. Isaiah Moore was nearly perfect offensively, scoring 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, giving the Saints a reliable presence in the lane.

The Saints offense flowed efficiently through multiple contributors. Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 15 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc and adding two steals in an active two-way effort. Off the bench, Barack Holland and Davonte Durst each provided 12 points, with Durst also dishing out six assists to keep the offense moving. OLLU finished with 22 assists on 35 made field goals, a clear reflection of unselfish play and disciplined execution.

Defensively, OLLU applied steady pressure and forced 20 Texas College turnovers, turning stops into transition opportunities. The Saints also recorded 12 steals as a team, disrupting rhythm and limiting Texas College’s ability to build sustained momentum. While Texas College was led by Jason Roseberry Jr.’s 21-point performance and Gelil Ward’s 20 points off the bench, OLLU consistently answered scoring runs and maintained control.

Depth proved to be a difference-maker, as OLLU received scoring contributions from 11 different players and outscored Texas College in efficiency and effort over the final stretch. Shooting 46.1 percent from the field and holding a clear advantage on the boards, the Saints steadily pulled away and closed the game with composure.

The win showcased OLLU’s ability to combine physical play, ball movement, and defensive intensity, reinforcing the team’s identity and momentum as the season continues. The Saints will be back in action Saturday against Jarvis Christian at 3:00 PM CDT.

OLLU Pulls Away Late to Defeat Texas College

Our Lady of the Lake women’s basketball earned a hard-fought victory over Texas College, closing the game with a 59–50 win built on defensive pressure, timely shooting, and composure at the free-throw line.

The Saints set the tone early with active defense, forcing Texas College into turnovers and contested looks throughout the night. OLLU finished with 10 steals and limited Texas College to 34.4 percent shooting from the field and scoreless shooting from beyond the arc. Those defensive stops proved crucial in maintaining momentum during key stretches of the game.

Shayla Dede led the way for OLLU with a team-high 17 points, knocking down three three-pointers and adding four steals on the defensive end. Alexandra Westerdijk Martin delivered a strong all-around performance with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Isabella Jaramillo provided an efficient nine points, hitting two three-pointers and helping space the floor. Macie Moss controlled the glass with a game-high 11 rebounds, giving the Saints second-chance opportunities despite a challenging shooting night.

OLLU’s bench played a valuable role, particularly Zariah Todd, who contributed six points, four rebounds, and three assists while bringing energy on both ends of the floor. The Saints also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 19 of 25 attempts, a decisive advantage in a tightly contested matchup.

Texas College was led by Jakairi Blacknell, who scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Taryanna McNary added 12 points on efficient shooting. Codee Roland recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, but Texas College struggled to overcome 29 turnovers, which repeatedly halted offensive rhythm.

With disciplined defense, balanced scoring, and poise in late-game situations, Our Lady of the Lake secured the victory against the Steers. The Saints will be back in action Saturday against Jarvis Christian at 1:00 PM CDT.

OLLU Returns Experience and Leadership Ahead of RRAC Campaign

While the spotlight of the 2026 RRAC Baseball Preseason Poll shines squarely on defending national champion LSU Shreveport, the poll also underscores a growing sense of opportunity for programs positioned just behind the Pilots, particularly Our Lady of the Lake. Picked fourth in the preseason rankings, the Saints enter the new season with momentum, experience, and a roster capable of closing the gap in a conference long dominated by LSUS.

Our Lady of the Lake is coming off a solid 2025 campaign in which it posted a 30-23 overall record and finished 20-10 in conference play. As the fourth seed in the RRAC postseason, the Saints proved competitive by winning two of four tournament games, a performance that reflected both resilience and depth. Under Head Coach Matt Piker, now entering his fifth season, OLLU has established consistency and stability. Piker owns a 120-91 overall record and a 79-44 mark in RRAC play, numbers that place the Saints firmly among the league’s most reliable programs.

A major reason for optimism in San Antonio is the return of Jack Kalisky, an RRAC All-Conference utility player who has already earned national recognition as a 2026 NAIA Baseball Preseason All-American. Kalisky’s versatility and leadership provide OLLU with a cornerstone piece on both sides of the ball, and his presence sets the tone for a veteran roster that understands the demands of conference contention. With returning talent and a proven coaching staff, the Saints are positioned to be more than just a dark horse in 2026.

LSU Shreveport’s unprecedented 59-0 season and unanimous selection atop the poll present a formidable challenge for every RRAC program. However, preseason rankings often reflect past results more than future potential. For Our Lady of the Lake, the fourth-place projection serves less as a limitation and more as motivation. As the Saints open the season, they do so with a clear path forward, aiming to turn steady progress into postseason success and reassert themselves as a legitimate threat in one of the NAIA’s most competitive Baseball conferences.

Saints Push UNT Dallas Wire to Wire in Hard-Fought Matchup

Our Lady of the Lake Holds Off UNT Dallas for 53–51 Victory

Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball earned a 53–51 victory over UNT Dallas, using balanced scoring, rebounding, and defensive pressure to secure the win.

OLLU Returns Experience and Leadership Ahead of RRAC Campaign

Our Lady of the Lake is coming off a solid 2025 campaign in which it posted a 30-23 overall record and finished 20-10 in conference play. As the fourth seed in the RRAC postseason, the Saints proved competitive by winning two of four tournament games, a performance that reflected both resilience and depth. Under Head Coach Matt Piker, now entering his fifth season, OLLU has established consistency and stability. Piker owns a 88-67 overall record and a 56-33 mark in RRAC play, numbers that place the Saints firmly among the league’s most reliable programs.

OLLU Softball Ranked Third In RRAC Preseason Poll

Despite being slotted third in the 2026 RRAC Softball Preseason Poll, Our Lady of the Lake enters the new season positioned as one of the conference’s most formidable programs following a dominant 2025 campaign. The Saints earned a first-place vote and finished just one point shy of second in the poll, underscoring the respect they command across the league.

OLLU was one of four RRAC teams to qualify for the 2025 NAIA National Championship Tournament and proved its championship pedigree throughout the year. The Saints posted an outstanding 27-1 conference record, with their only regular-season loss coming to LSU Alexandria in April. When it mattered most, OLLU responded emphatically, defeating LSUA twice in the postseason, including a 5-2 win and a 3-0 shutout in the championship game. OLLU finished the conference tournament a perfect 4-0 to claim the RRAC title.

The Saints postseason success highlighted their consistency and resilience against top-tier competition. OLLU also notched key victories over Texas A&M-Texarkana during the season, continuing a trend of strong performances against fellow national qualifiers. At the NAIA National Championship Tournament, OLLU went 2-2, further demonstrating its ability to compete on the national stage.

As the program turns the page, OLLU enters a new era with assistant coach Joey Armijo taking over as head coach in August 2025. Armijo brings continuity and stability after working alongside longtime head coach Bruce Lenington for six seasons, during which the Saints compiled a 238-64 record and established themselves as a perennial RRAC contender.

With a proven roster, championship experience, and a seamless coaching transition, Our Lady of the Lake heads into 2026 poised to challenge for another conference title. While preseason rankings offer a snapshot of expectations, the Saints recent history suggests they are well-positioned to exceed them and remain a central force in the RRAC race.

Preseason poll voting was submitted by each head coach. The results, shown below, are based on points calculated with an 11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 format. First-place votes are indicated in parentheses.

Rank	School	Points
1.	LSU Alexandria (9)	99
2.	Texas A&M-Texarkana	85
3.	Our Lady of the Lake (1)	84
4.	Texas A&M-Victoria	69
5.	Texas A&M-San Antonio	58
6.	Louisiana Christian	47
7.	Xavier	38
8.	Southwest	32
9.	Jarvis Christian	25
10.	Texas College	18