Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Sports & Recreation
9
Kearny’s volleyball team enjoying stellar season
Photo by Jim Hague
Senior Santiago Lopez just recently set the Kearny school record for kills in a career with 322. Now with his total way over 400, Lopez hopes it can reach 500 before season’s end.
veteran Kearny High School volleyball coach Bill Mullins approached Lopez. When Santiago Lopez ar“He said, ‘Are you ready to rived in North Arlington, then play varsity?’” Lopez said. “I quickly Kearny from his native really didn’t understand it. I Las Palma de Gran Canaria in said, ‘Yes.’ And that’s how the Spain four years ago, he didn’t whole thing got started.” know what to expect. At the same time, Marcelo “I didn’t know the differGarcia and Nathan Aguilar ence between varsity and JV were getting introduced to ( junior varsity),” Lopez said. varsity volleyball, Kearny style. “I didn’t understand it.” “We came in and didn’t Lopez wasn’t making know who was trying out,” friends in a hurry either. Aguilar said. “The first day of practice, I “A lot of us have been hit the ball really hard,” Lopez together since our freshman said. “And I hit the ball into a year,” Garcia said. “We formed kid’s face.” a really close bond. I think But after that practice, that’s been the key to our sucBy Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com
cess.” That closeness has carried the Kardinals a long way in 2021. A year after missing the entire season due to the coronavirus, the Kards have come back with a vengeance this season, winning 13 of 15 matches, advancing all the way to the Hudson County Tournament finals last week. Unfortunately, the Kardinals came up a little short against rival St. Peter’s Prep in the finale, but it doesn’t diminish the incredible season that the team has enjoyed. The Kardinals will be the top seeded team in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1,
Group IV tournament that will begin next week. That’s an achievement in itself. “I hope we can get one of those banners to hang to recognize us,” said Lopez, who recently set the school record for kills in a career when he collected his 322nd kill two weeks ago. Lopez is now approaching 400 kills for his career. He could actually finish somewhere in the 500 range when he’s done. “He’s like our power guy,” Mullins said. “He hits the ball very hard. He’s also a good server and plays good defense. He’s a strong kid who is good all around.”
One look at outside hitter Lopez and you wouldn’t think he was such a terror. He appears mild mannered with his rimmed glasses, sort of a Clark Kent type. But Lopez is headed to Kean to play college volleyball, but wants to leave Kearny with a legacy of greatness. “As a captain, one of my goals is to see my teammates improve,” Lopez said. “I thought I was going to help them, but it’s crazy to see how well they’ve all improved. I’m really happy with what we’ve done this year. We never had See KEARNY, Page 10
