Lopez, Rouse volleyball leaning on experience to continue dominant run

When Kayla Lopez first put on the No. 2 jersey for Rouse volleyball two seasons ago, she felt a responsibility to continue the legacy of success.

The tradition of dominant outside hitters wearing No. 2 started in 2015 when élan McCall wore the jersey, Grayson Schirpik put it on beginning in 2018 and Lopez took over as the ceremonial role in 2020.

“I’m my own player, but I want to be able to help the team out just as much as they did,” Lopez said.

Since 2016, the Raiders have won six consecutive district titles, have gone at least three rounds deep in the playoffs and made one appearance in the state title match in 2017.

“I think the program in general and the culture here is very intentional about having the upperclassmen take the underclassmen under their wings and kind of show them how to win,” Lopez said. “As they get older, it kind of drives them to keep the legacy going.”

McCall was a prime example for Schirpik, who then paved the way for Lopez.

Jacob Thompson has been the head coach at Rouse since the school opened 15 years ago, and this will be his 22nd season as head high school volleyball coach.

He said the legacies that alumni have left on the record boards and by way of the banners hanging in the Raiders’ gym give the current and future contributors a direction on how to do things the right way.

“They set the standard, and now it’s a battle to (keep winning),” Thompson said. “We have found out over the years that that has become a difficult task. We are blessed with kids that buy into a culture, and we are blessed with really good kids right now.”

It also helps that Thompson isn’t afraid to have young players contribute at the varsity level.

Lopez and fellow senior Karley Black have been playing on varsity since they were freshmen. Juniors Savannah Skopal — last year’s district MVP — and Jadyn Wilgus have been on varsity for three seasons.

Tabitha Allena and Naara Tanco are two-year varsity players, while sophomore libero Mary Schirpik was the district Newcomer of the Year last season

“The learning curve is less,” Thompson said. “We still have some things to pick up and get crisper on. We’re nowhere close to where we need to be in September and October in this district.”

The Raiders advanced to the gold bracket at the Frauline Volleyfest in New Braunfels last weekend, beating San Antonio Brandeis before falling to Dripping Springs in three sets in the consolation final.

LISD Volleypalooza begins Thursday at various high schools around the area and concludes on Saturday, before Rouse begins district play at home on Sept. 9 against Hays.

Lopez leads the Raiders with 185 kills this season, averaging more than three per set. Willis has 137 kills, Tanco has 127 and Allen is up to 105. Skopak, who eclipsed 2,000 career assists last season and had nearly 1,500 last season, is already up to 612 this year.

Lopez doesn’t really look at stats, and since she’s already committed to San Jose State for next season, she doesn’t really have any individual goals.

“Everything I’m doing is for the team,” Lopez said. “We all what to go as far as we possibly can, so I’m going to put in whatever work we need to put in to help us reach our goal.”

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Original Article: https://www.hillcountrynews.com/stories/lopez-rouse-volleyball-leaning-on-experience-to-continue-dominant-run,96867?