SAN ANTONIO (May 17, 2023) – The NAIA No. 2-ranked Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team defeated Hope International University (HIU) 2-0 in both games on Wednesday to claim the NAIA Opening Round San Antonio Bracket title. The Saints advance to the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. 

History

The Saints lost the previous meeting 1-0 on Tuesday. 

Game one

The Saints started the day with a 2-0 win over HIU. Cassandra Valdez pitched all seven innings and struck out eight batters. Valdez allowed only one hit to earn the victory and move to 28-4 on the year. Madison Nunn singled in the fourth inning to score Valdez. The Royals' lone hit came in the bottom of the inning. Joanna Gonzalez followed in the sixth inning with a single to bring home Emilia Salinas. Hope pitching ace Allie Puente entered the game with a phenomenal 0.51 ERA, but the Saints were able to record seven hits and score both runs off of her. Reliever Olivia Candelas faced two batters and allowed the game's only other hit. OLLU forced a winner-take-all championship game with the victory. 

Game two

OLLU stayed focused and won 2-0 again to capture the championship in the second contest. The pitching duel took center stage again, with the Saints prevailing against Puente once again. Alyssa Flores doubled in the third inning to score the game's only runs. Jennifer Estrada and Deandra Vera both scored on the play. Angela Ramirez started in the circle and grabbed the win after three innings of work. Valdez pitched in relief for the final four frames and allowed only two hits. Valdez and Kristee Salas were responsible for the two other hits. The Saints were seeded No. 1 for the NAIA Opening Round and finished with a 4-1 record. Hope was the No. 2 seed. 

Hear from Head Coach Bruce Lenington and the players.

Up next

The Saints compete in the NAIA World Series from May 25-31 in Columbus, Ga.