The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2026 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
A magical run for the Lakewood girls’ volleyball team came to an end in the second round of the CIF State Division IV playoffs. The Lancers fell behind 2-1 but were able to battle back and force a fifth set, ultimately falling 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, 17-25, 15-8 to Capistrano Valley Christian.
CVC (19-17) will advance to face Castaic in the next round, while the season ends for Lakewood (23-15).
It was an historic season for the Lancers, who became just the second team in program history to make a CIF-SS championship match last week.
It’s been an emotional ride for the Lancers. Head coach Adam Wadley lost his brother Jared in October. Jared’s memorial was held at Lakewood last Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Lancers’ CIF-SS championship match. The entire Lakewood team was there to support Adam and longtime Lakewood AD Mike Wadley (Jared’s father). Both Adam and Mike spoke at the memorial and thanked the Lancers team for supporting them during a difficult month.
“This time was a light at the end of the tunnel,” Adam wrote in a post after the match. “Making Lakewood High history was no small feat, but the goal of playing for Jared was the most remarkable piece of this run. I know we didn’t accomplish the ultimate goal, but I wouldn’t have wanted to do this with any other group.”
