OLLU softball ends season as third best team in the NAIA after a loss to Southeastern

COLUMBUS, Ga. (May 27, 2026) – After another weather delay from this morning, Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) and Southeastern University (Fla.) were finally able to continue their game this evening. Unfortunately for the Saints, the long delay did not work in their favor as they suffered a 3-0 loss to the Fire, ending their spectacular season in the 45th Annual NAIA Softball National Championship World Series.

 

Fifth-ranked OLLU (47-13) finishes the season as the third-best team in the NAIA. Second-ranked SEU (51-9) will advance to the championship game on Thursday against first-ranked Madonna.

 

 

Game 17 of the World Series was scheduled to begin this morning, but inclement weather delayed it until this evening after three innings. With a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the third, Raylei McKinney hit a sacrifice fly to score Abby Franey. Erica Ramsey followed with a single to send Ella Brooks home and give the Fire the 2-0 lead. The Fire struck again in the sixth with a hit from Maria Zelenka to score Katie Short in what would end up being the game-winning run.

 

The Saints fought valiantly in the top of the seventh, starting with Emilia Salinas reaching on an error by the second baseman. Boston Tijerina followed with a hit to center. However, a double play and a pop-up ended the Saints' chance to keep the game going.

 

OLLU had two hits in the game, one by Arianna Alejandro and one by Tijerina. Valeria Vielma started in the circle for the Saints, pitching three innings and allowing no runs. Annika Littero (30-10) entered in relief, pitching three innings, allowing three runs (two earned), striking out two, and was charged with the loss.

 

The Fire had one hit each from Brooks, Ramsey, Nicole Wasserstrom, Zelenka, Lauren Sekinger, and Abby Franey. Zelenka (19-3) pitched a complete game, allowing two hits, no runs, and recording three strikeouts.

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