Submitted by Gene Helfman

The Lopez volleyball team extended their perfect season to 5-0 with a convincing win over the Tulalip Heritage Hawks on Sept. 26th. Lopez jumped out to a 6-0 start in the first game and never gave up the lead, winning 25-17. The second game was played close initially, with the teams tied for a while and the Lobos up only 10-8 before they finally pulled away to win 25-14. The third game was a repeat of the first, although Tulalip fought off match point before Lopez finally won 25-19. Although the wins were decisive, many points were hard fought with long volleys and could have gone either way. Tulalip earned their points, the Lobos committing very few unforced errors.

Before the match, Lopez coach Marina Steinbrueck predicted that Tulalip would be their toughest opponent and was very pleased with the quality of play. Afterward, she praised the team, saying they do so well because they work together more like a family than just a team, which raises everyone’s level of play.

The Lobo’s next home match is at 4 p.m. on on Oct. 10, against Lummi Nation.