Lopez volleyball on the upswing
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 8, 2025
By Gene Helfman
Weekly contributor
Providence Classical Christian came to town Sept. 26. The Highlanders’ volleyball team had a 6-win, no-loss record. Lopez, at the time, had one win and five losses. The prospects were less than positive, barring a miracle. The miracle didn’t happen, Providence winning the match in three games, 25-14, 25-12 and 25-11. But that was only part of the story. In the first two games, Lopez kept the score even at the outset, right up to six all. But Providence pulled ahead each time, especially on exceptionally strong serving. Take away the serving aces, Lopez played competitively, matching volleys and spikes and saves. It was the powerful Providence serves that landed deep in the Lobos’ court that made the difference. Coach Karrie Warner was happy with the team’s effort. She pointed out that several of their earlier losses were by a few points, each game easily going either way. Warner was confident that her players were that close to putting it all together.
Which is exactly what happened a week later at home against the Lummi Nation Blackhawks. Lopez served powerfully and consistently, returned serve with authority, set and spiked repeatedly, and all but eliminated unforced errors. The Lobos jumped out and stayed ahead in the first two games, winning both 25-11. Lummi regrouped in the third game and even led at one point 12-10. But Lopez put together a series of serving aces and held off the Blackhawks to win 25-18. Afterward, Warner was effusive in her praise of the Lobos’ effort, especially in the success of a new alignment with two setters instead of one.
Lopez has home matches on Oct. 6 and 16; the team appreciates fan support. Follow the Lobo Pack on Facebook.
