OLLU Marks 31st Consecutive Win After Series Sweep Against Xavier University of Louisiana
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xavier (LA) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
|
Our Lady of the Lake | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 0 |
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xavier (LA) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
|
Our Lady of the Lake | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
SAN ANTONIO (March 23, 2024) – Fueled by 20 hits, 19 runs and 16 RBIs, the Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team secured another sweep in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The Saints defeated Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) 9-0 in five innings in the first game and 10-2 in six innings in the second game. The No. 1-ranked Saints improve to 35-1 overall and 12-0 in conference. The Gold Nuggets drop to 7-11 and 5-7 in the RRAC. The Saints have won 31 straight contests.
Prior to the game, the team honored Marissa Bradley for her senior's day.
History
The Saints are 7-0 against Xavier. Last season, OLLU won 5-0 and 10-0, and 13-0 in the postseason.
Game one
After a scoreless first inning, Madison Garza hit a home run. Emilia Salinas later scored after Kayla Dreese walked with the bases loaded. Natalie Rodriguez recorded an RBI after her ground out scored Alyssa Garcia. The Saints took the 3-0 lead. In the fourth inning, a double from Rodriguez sent Cassandra Valdez home to put the Saints at 4-0. In the fifth, Kristee Salas scored on a hit from Dreese. Valdez hit a grand slam walk-off home run that also scored Dreese, Celina Wilharm and Marissa Bradley. The Saints won 9-0 on the run rule.
Madison Garza went 3-for-3. Cassandra Valdez went 2-for-3 adding two runs and four RBIs.
Valdez secured her 13th win after playing a complete five-inning game, striking out 11 and allowing just three hits.
Game two
The Saints added to the scoreboard in the first inning after Madison Garza doubled to center, sending Ava Hernandez and Arianna Alejandro home. In the third inning, Hernandez's double sent Natalie Rodriguez and Valdez home. A single from Garza scored Hernandez, and Alana Benitez singled to score Celina Wilharm. The Saints took the 6-0 lead.
In the fourth inning, the Gold Nuggets were able to score their first runs of the series. T'Auna Fenroy singled to score Madison Winston. A fielder's choice scored Fenroy, and the score moved to 6-2.
The Saints added another run in the bottom of the fourth. Hernandez hit a sac fly to send Alejandro home. Wilharm started the fifth inning with a home run – her second of the season. With the score at 8-2, Garza hit to center to score Hernandez and Bradley to end the game winning 10-2.
Garza went 3-for-4, adding three RBIs. Hernandez went 2-for-3, adding three runs and three RBIs. Valeria Vielma pitched 4.2 innings and allowed two runs and four hits to earn the win. Hernandez pitched in relief for 1.1 innings, striking out two.
Hear from Head Coach Bruce Lenington and Madison Garza
What's next
The Saints will host the University of Houston-Victoria on Thursday, March 28. The team will honor their mascot Gus Lenington on his senior's day. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs – the first 25 with their owners will receive a free OLLU bandana and a goody bag.
