OLLU will regroup to face Marian (Ind.) in fifth game of NAIA Softball World Series

COLUMBUS, Ga. (May 21, 2026) – Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) had a tough time on the field in its first game of the 45th Annual NAIA Softball National Championship World Series after losing 9-1 to the University of Mobile (Ala.) in five innings.

 

In the first inning, OLLU's top player Arianna Alejandro doubled to reach base, and a sac bunt from Reanna Aguirre sent her to third. A fielder's choice in the infield followed from Lilly Rocha, which allowed Alejandro to score. That was the only run the Saints were able to score, while Mobile added three runs in the first, four runs in the third, and one run each in the fourth and fifth to capture the win.

 

Alejandro accounted for two of the Saints' hits, and Caitlin Cassas added the third. Annika Litterio pitched .02 innings to suffer the loss, while Valeria Vielma pitched four innings in relief.

 

The Rams were led by Diana Arcay, Lillie Lanham, and Bethany Dean, who each had two RBIs. Lanham went 4-for-4 and had one stolen base. Avery Harrell pitched a complete game and had no strikeouts.

 

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., fifth-seed OLLU will play ninth-seed Marian (Ind.) at 10 a.m. in the tournament's fifth game.

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Looking ahead to the matchup, the Saints have a slight edge in most statistical 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.

 

In contrast, Mobile's team excels in several different areas. The Knights are ranked first in the NAIA in fielding percentage, sixth in ERA, eighth in earned runs, 13th in saves, 15th in putouts, and 16th in innings pitched.

 

 

	Avg.	At-Bats	Runs	Hits	2B	3B	HR	RBIs	SLG%	OB%	SB	PO	A	FLD%
OLLU	.353	1403	373	496	112	16	29	334	.517	.438	51	989	268	.971
Marian	.307	1550	311	476	92	11	19	274	.417	.377	69	1121	378	.971

 

 

	ERA	W-L	SHO	Saves	IP	ER	Ks
OLLU	2.70	39-12	8	2	329.2	127	276
Marian	3.39	38-17	10	1	374.0	181	213

 

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OLLU Individual Leaders

 

For the Saints, the primary pitchers, Annika Litterio and Valeria Vielma, have led the team's success. Litterio, the RRAC Co-Pitcher of the Year and a two-time All-Conference First Team recipient, holds a 26-9 record in 42 appearances (29 starts), with 15 complete games (five shutouts), 191.2 innings pitched, a 2.37 ERA, and 171 strikeouts. Vielma, All-Conference Second Team, is 13-3 in 35 appearances (22 starts), with eight complete games (three shutouts), 138 innings pitched, a 3.14 ERA, and 105 strikeouts.

 

Offensively, the Saints are led by All-Conference First-Team recipient Arianna Alejandro, a center fielder who has had an epic senior season. Alejandro tops the team with 154 at-bats, 61 runs, 67 hits, 18 doubles, seven triples, 39 RBIs, 14-of-14 stolen bases, a .435 batting average, a .530 on-base percentage, 105 total bases, and 27 extra base hits.

 

Another offensive contributor is All-Conference Honorable Mention Team recipient Reanna Aguirre, a right fielder who leads the Saints with 23 walks and 14 hit-by-pitches and is 7-for-7 on stolen bases. She has accumulated just one error this year.

 

Defensively, Alyssa Guzman, the catcher, leads the Saints with 226-of-244 putouts. She is an All-Conference Second-Team recipient.

 

The Saints are under the direction of interim Head Coach Amanda Davila.

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Shifting to the opponent, Marian is making its 11th consecutive trip to the World Series and 13th overall. These include 2003, 2013, 2015-2019, and 2021-2026. The Knights advanced to the World Series seven times: 2016-2019, 2023, 2025, and 2026. The team is led by Head Coach Scott Fleming, now in his 23rd year (817-260).

 

For Marian, Abby Hoffman, Crossroads League All-Conference First-Team and Gold Glove winner, leads the offense with a .392 batting average, 199 at-bats, 63 runs, 78 hits, six triples, four home runs, 118 total bases, and 30-of-32 stolen bases.

 

Another offensive standout is Abby Madere, also a First-Team recipient, who leads the Knights with 18 doubles, eight home runs, 61 RBIs, and a .625 slugging percentage.

 

For pitching, standout players include Macy Coan, a Gold Glove recipient, who boasts a 21-5 record, 19 complete games, six shutouts, 177.0 innings pitched, and 104 strikeouts for an ERA of 2.33. Lexi Smith is 8-7 with an ERA of 3.63, has pitched

100.2 innings, and has 59 strikeouts. 

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