The volleyball team entered the weekend with the number-one ranking in Region XIII, but barely survived to retain its top spot.

In the two-day weekend tournament in Lubbock, Tex., the wolfpack opened with a win over Wayland Baptist but dropped its next three matches.

The team disposed of Wayland 31-29, 30-25, 2-30 and 30-24 last Friday.Communications senior Maggie Schaefer led the ‘Pack with 15 kills and 26 digs.

Laurie Cacioppo, management sophomore, anchored the defense with 29 digs.

In the late game of the evening, Loyola dropped its first game of the tournament to Abilene Christian, 30-19, 30-28, 30-24.

According to Krista Danos, management and marketing senior, the team can learn from its losses.

“We learn a lot about ourselves and how to play when we lose,” she said. “These games really did teach us a lot.”

The second day of the tournament brought more hardship for Loyola as the team dropped two more matches.

In the first match of the day, the ‘Pack lost in straight games to Angelo State, 30-18, 30-20 and 30-8.

Schaefer once again lead the team with 11 kills and 20 digs. Cacioppo provided defensive support with 20 digs.

The losses pushed the team’s record to 7-4 for the season.

Danos said that she believes that the competition was among the highest ranks.

“The schools we played this weekend were some of the best in the South,” she said.

The second match brought only more suffering for the ‘Pack. Lubbock Christian defeated Loyola, 30-20, 30-15, 30-14.

In the Wolfpack’s last game of the weekend, Schaefer recorded six kills and 26 digs.

According to Head Coach Greg Castillo, the losses are disappointing.

“We were all disappointed about the losses, but we are confident about the future,” he said.

The Wolfpack is scheduled to resume the season agaisnt GCAC opponent Spring Hill in Mobile, Ala., Tuesday at 7 p.m.

“We’re not afraid of any one; we’re fast this year, and ready to win,” Danos said.

Despite the losses over the weekend, the ‘Pack still retained the number one ranking in Region XIII.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics released the new rankings last Tuesday after the weekeend tournaments.

According to Castillo, the ranking reflects the coach’s feelings about his team.

“I really believe that we have a chance at the conference this year,” he said.

With reporting by Chris Fredrickson