RRAC's Our Lady of the Lake starts quest to another NAIA Softball World Series title

WACO, Texas (May 21, 2026) – The Red River Athletic Conference's Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) will begin its quest for a second national championship this afternoon, after winning in 2024. The Saints made their first trip to the big show in 2023, when they finished 0-2, and the following year, they went 7-0 on the national stage to capture the World Series Crown.

 

Today at 1 p.m., OLLU will face the University of Mobile (Ala.), a team that has reached the World Series more than any other team in this year's slate, at the 45th Annual NAIA Softball National Championship World Series in South Commons Complex in Columbus, Ga. The World Series, featuring a double-elimination format, will run through May 22.

 

The tournament starts with Game One: No. 8 Indiana Wesleyan vs. No. 9 Marian (Ind.) at 10 a.m., and after OLLU's game (Game Two), Game Three: No. 3 Southern Oregon will face No. 6 Cumberlands (Ky.) at 4 p.m., and Game Four: No. 7 College of Idaho vs. No. 10 British Columbia. On Friday, No. 1 Madonna (Mich.) will play the winner of Game One, and No. 2 Southeastern (Fla.) will play the winner of Game Four.

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Mobile returns to the World Series after last qualifying in 2022, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006 (World Series Champions), 1995-2005, and 1993. The Rams finished in the Opening Round last season, and in 2023, 2017, 2007, 1992, and 1990.

 

OLLU first made its trip to the Opening Round in 2014. Under Head Coach Bruce Lenington, now the head coach at the University of the Cumberlands (2026 World Series participant), the Saints reached the Opening Round in 2022 and 2025, and advanced to the World Series in 2023 and 2024 (World Series Champions). The softball program at OLLU was begun in 2010.

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The Saints have a slight edge in most categories. Among all NAIA teams, the Saints are ranked fifth in on-base percentage, eighth in doubles, ninth in batting average, 10th in slugging percentage, 11th in runs and losses,12th in RBIs, and 14th in fielding percentage.

 

Mobile is ranked first in the NAIA in fielding percentage, sixth in ERA, eighth in earned runs, 13th in saves, 15th in put outs, and 16th in innings pitched.

 

 

	Avg.	At-Bats	Runs	Hits	2B	3B	HR	RBIs	SLG%	OB%	SB	PO	A	FLD%
OLLU	.355	1388	372	493	111	16	29	333	.521	.440	51	975	268	.971
Mobile	.331	1461	244	484	68	6	4	225	.394	.395	104	1095	322	.981

 

 

	ERA	W-L	SHO	Saves	IP	ER	Ks
OLLU	2.54	39-11	8	2	325.0	118	274
Mobile	1.74	38-16	12	6	365.2	91	202

 

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OLLU Individual Leaders

 

The Saints are led by pitchers Annika Litterio, who won the RRAC Co-Pitcher of the Year award and is a two-time All-Conference First Team recipient, and Valeria Vielma, RRAC All-Conference Second Team. Litterio has posted a 26-8 record in 41 appearances, 28 as a starter, and 15 complete games, five of which were shutouts. She has pitched in 191.0 innings with an ERA of 2.27 while striking out 171. Vielma is 13-3 in 34 appearances, with 22 as a starter, and with eight complete games, three of which were shutouts. She has pitched in 134 innings with an ERA of 2.93 and 103 strikeouts.

 

On offense, All-Conference First-Team recipient Arianna Alejandro, a center fielder, has had an epic senior season. She leads all teammates in at-bats with 152, 60 runs (20 more than second place), 65 hits (13 more than second place), 17 doubles, seven triples, tied for first in RBIs, 14-of-14 stolen bases, .428 batting average, .525 on-base percentage, 102 total bases, and 26 extra base hits.

 

All-Conference Honorable Mention Team recipient Reanna Aguirre, a right fielder, leads the Saints with 23 walks, 14 hit by pitch, and has 7-of-7 stolen bases. She has accumulated just one error this year.

 

Alyssa Guzman, the catcher, leads the Saints on defense with 225-of-243 putouts, 72 assists, and five double plays. She is an All-Conference Second-Team recipient.

 

The Saints are led by interim Head Coach Amanda Davila.

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Mobile is led by Southern States Athletic Conference's Daryelin Rivas, who received Co-Player of the Year and First-Team honors. She leads her team with 180 at-bats, 75 hits, 47 runs, 32-of-37 stolen bases, and 93 assists.

 

First-Team recipient Diana Arcay leads the Rams with 51 RBIs, 22 doubles, 23 extra base hits, .437 batting average, .587 slugging percentage, five sac flies, 98 total bases, and she has a 1.000 fielding percentage.

 

Second-Team recipient Miah Simmons leads the team in defense with 182 putouts. She has committed just one error in 54 games played. 

 

First-team winner Katelynn Kempton has a 14-2 record for a 1.17 ERA in 13 games started, and she has struck out 55 in 101.1 innings pitched and has four saves.

 

Avery Harrell, also a First-Team honoree, has a 19-8 record in 34 appearances, 30 of which were as a starter. She has pitched in 186 innings and has struck out 89.

 

Mobile is led by SSAC Coach of the Year Alison Sellers-Cook. She became the head coach prior to the 2018 season and has accumulated a 335-126 record.

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Fans can follow all the action from Columbus, Ga., from first pitch Thursday through the presentation of the Red Banner on Wednesday, May 27, live and free worldwide on the NAIA Network and Urban Edge Network, along with access to the tournament schedule, ticket information, and bracket throughout the week.