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.
After a stellar run through the first three rounds of the playoffs, the Lakewood girls’ volleyball team saw its title hopes come to an end during a 3-1 loss to Villa Park in the CIF Southern Section Division 6 championship last Friday at Cerritos College.
The Lancers entered the match without dropping a set through the first three matches, but the Spartans and Katya Aguilar put the pressure on Lakewood from the opening set on their way to a 25-23, 30-32, 25-19, 25-17 victory.
“They played a really good game,” Lakewood coach Adam Wadley said. “I think that, if that first set goes our way, it’s a little different story, but that’s the world. I’m just very thankful and very proud of (our team).”
Aguilar had seven of her match-high 33 kills in the opening set as Villa Park was able to win the battle of attrition as each team took turns going on runs.
In the second set, Lakewood pulled off a gritty 32-30 win after the Lancers fought off six Villa Park set points before an ace by senior Jenna Smith sealed the win to tie the match one set apiece. It was a tight contest throughout the set that included 13 ties and seven lead changes.
Looking to give a different look, Villa Park made some personnel changes bringing in Charlie Neske and Skyler Kennedy and it proved to be effective as the Spartans went on a 6-0 run on their way to a 25-19 win in the third set.
Aaryn Hunter, London Livesey and Smith continued to battle for Lakewood as they took a 5-1 lead to open the fourth, but the Spartans responded with their own 9-0 run to take a 10-5 lead.
Villa Park wouldn’t give up the lead as they went on to seal the match with a 25-17 victory.
Hunter finished with a team-high 16 kills while Smith and Livesey had 14 and 11, respectively.
While it wasn’t the result Wadley wanted for his team, it served as a moment he and his family won’t forget as the Lancers provided a lift while they grieved the loss of his brother Jared.
“They really helped my family and myself get through a really, really tough time the last three weeks,” Wadley said. “So, you know, it sucks right now, but we still get to be together for a little bit more.”
Lakewood’s postseason isn’t over as the Lancers will now turn their attention to the CIF State playoffs with their first round opponent being announced on Sunday.
