Saints Shut Out Hope to Earn Second Consecutive Trip to NAIA Softball World Series

SAN ANTONIO (May 15, 2024) - The NAIA No. 1-ranked Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team blanked Hope International University (HIU) 2-0 in the championship game of the San Antonio Bracket in the NAIA Opening Round on Wednesday. The Saints improve to 53-3 and earn a trip to a second consecutive NAIA World Series. The Saints did not allow a run in all three contests of the tournament. 

History

The Saints were 3-1 against the Royals prior to the game. OLLU defeated HIU 1-0 on Tuesday. 

Basics

The Saints battled in a tough game against the Royals for a second consecutive day. The same pitching matchup between Cassandra Valdez and Allie Puente held batters scoreless until the fifth inning. Valdez smacked a two-run home run over the left field fence that scored Alyssa Garcia. OLLU's 2-0 lead held, and the Saints were crowned champions. Valdez struck out nine batters in another complete game to earn the win and jumps to 26-1 on the season. Puente limited the Saints to one hit on Tuesday, but OLLU totaled five hits today by Valdez, Ava Hernandez, Grace Ross, Kayla Dreese and Garcia. The Royals also had five hits and left seven runners on base. The Saints were disciplined at the plate by striking out only two times. 

Hear from the Head Coach Bruce Lenington, Assistant Coach Jody Armijo and Player Cassandra Valdez after winning the championship game. 

Hear from all of the team talk about winning the title and what they look forward to at the World Series.

Up next

The Saints will travel to Columbus, Ga., for the 43rd Annual NAIA Softball National Championship World Series from May 23-29.