Lopes Volleyball Announces Recruiting Class – Part 3 of 3

Lopes freshman Patty Lira tosses to serve during a practice at the LCC Wellness Center.

LCC family extends from Arizona to Indiana

Lopes Volleyball is proud to bring players from four other states and Brazil together to share in the opportunities found at Lamar Community College.
The final installment of our recruiting class includes players from the Lamar Community College service area, northern Colorado, northern Arizona and eastern Indiana.

Kit Carson’s Yulissa Gutierrez became the fifth student-athlete from the LCC service area to join the Lopes when she committed to Lamar in late July.
“We’d been trying to get Yuli to come aboard for a while, and after investing some time, it all worked out. For Yuli, and definitely for us,” Geoffrey said. “Yuli is a tremendous athlete who has all the tools to develop into a high-quality collegiate setter.”

Gutierrez is a 5-foot, 6-inch setter from Kit Carson High School, where she also starred on the basketball and track teams.

“She’s well-rounded, and that’s going to suit her well as a setter. That position demands someone who can do a little bit of everything,” Geoffrey said.
Patricia Lira, a graduate of Roosevelt High School from Milliken, brings a general athleticism that makes her a threat any time she’s on the court. The 5-foot, 7-inch middle blocker has the quickness to do what some more prototypical middles can’t.

“Patty was a three-sport athlete at Roosevelt and that shows in practice,” Geoffrey said. “She has a real smoothness to her game and demonstrated quickly that she’s in complete control of her body. With the right reps under her belt, she is capable of great things.”

Deziree Alexander owns the distinction of being the only freshman who traveled west in order to come to Lamar.

The 5-foot, 7-inch outside hitter from Richmond, Indiana, brings a dangerous swing and a competitive, team-first attitude to the Lopes.
“Our first phone conversations, I was just blown away,” Geoffrey said. “She so clearly has a vision of what she wants in a school and volleyball program, and we share a lot of the same philosophy. She wants a family atmosphere – with all the love, support, honesty and challenges that come with it – and she wants to help her teammates avoid the trappings she’s seen sink other teams.” Alexander graduated from Richmond High School and played for the Indianapolis Starlings VBC.

While Alexander took a southwest route to LCC, Gabrielle Tsinijinni headed northeast to Lamar from Dilkon, Arizona. Tsinijinni is a 5-foot, 7-inch middle and right-side hitter from Winslow High School, about 60 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona. “Gabby is a determined player who is one of those people you just know will be successful in whatever they do,” Geoffrey said. “She’s not one of those people who seems to take no for an answer. She doesn’t accept failure. She just keeps working. “That kind of commitment and attitude will go a long way on this team.”

The Lopes will kick off their season on August 26-27 as they host the Little Caesar Classic Tournament.
To learn more about Lopes Volleyball including the full roster, schedule and more, visit golopes.com/sports/wvball.