Lobos bow in five tough games

The Lopez Lobos battled the Darrington Loggers last Thursday, treating their fans to a fine display of teamwork and intensity. The Lobos forced the Loggers to a five game match before finally bowing out 4-15, 12-15, 15-8, 15-7 and 4-15.

Darrington stepped onto the Lobos’ home court menacingly in the first game, playing flawless volleyball, giving the Lobos no errors to capitalize on. “Darrington was sensational in game one,” said Chicovsky. The Loggers easily finished the first game, allowing the Lobos only four points.

In game two the Lady Lobos started to pull themselves together. They were keeping neck and neck with the Loggers; the score was 5-6. Then, Lopez senior Alena Marshak stepped up to serve. Maybe it was the poise of a senior athlete, or maybe it was the Lobo fans cheering them on, but something began to stir on the Lopez court. The Lady Lobos were starting to work together. The poise of the entire team changed and so did the score. Marshak’s service led her team to a 9-6 lead before the Loggers coach called a time out.

Whatever was said in the huddle brought the Loggers back onto the court full force. They claimed possession of the ball and finally the game.

The Lobos had two losses. If they lost another game, the match would be over. But something had started to click for Lopez. They may have had their backs to the wall, but they weren’t ready to back down.

All season the Lobos have faced teams with harder hitters and bigger blockers, and the Loggers were no different. But what Lopez lacks in height and strength, they make up in teamwork. “These girls are so tight as a team,” said Chicovsky. “Synergy. The sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the components.” And that is just what he thinks of his team.

So, the Lobos walked onto the court and set about doing what they know best, digging the ball and serving with accuracy. If they were dejected or disappointed by their losses, it certainly didn’t show. In fact, it seemed they wanted to show the Loggers a thing or two about volleyball and teamwork.

Swing player Julie Buchanan stepped up in game three, serving nine straight points for the Lobos, while the Loggers stood seemingly flat-footed and somewhat astonished. Lobo star Zoey Jones led Lopez forward with some high spirited intensity, keeping the Loggers busy digging her kills. The Lobos finished Darrington off 15-8.

By the start of game four there was a different feeling in the air. Lobo fans were sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what was to come. The Lady Lobos set foot on the court and immediately starting clicking like clockwork. In no short order the girls had a 10-0 lead on the Loggers, all the while giving their fans a treat of what the Lopez volleyball team can do when they’re playing on all four cylinders. Methodically, the girls dug the ball and set it to their hitters, namely Jones, who played another incredible game.

It was game five and whoever won the game took the match. Darrington started the game out on fire and didn’t let up. The Loggers gave Lopez some of their own medicine, serving seven unanswered points. The Loggers took the final game 4-15. “They played fundamentally perfect in game five,” said Chicovsky.

But the loss doesn’t have the Lobo’s coach down. More then anything, Chicovsky was excited to see his team pull together. “This is the best part of the season, when I finally see the team come together,” said Chicovsky.

Jones had a career high 15 kills, 10 of which came in games three and four. She also had 25 digs. Marshak finished the match serving 22-23 with 37 digs and four aces. Aviva Kana served 13-14 and six kills. Buchanan was 11-11 serving.

The Lobos defeated Shoreline Christian last Tuesday in four games 15-3, 11-15, 15-8 and 15-12. The win tied Lopez with Shoreline for third place in the league. The top three teams in the Northwest B League qualify for Tri-District.

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