Garcia & Grajeda Sign to University of the Southwest

Lamar Runnin' Lopes volleyball players Jennifer Garcia and Karina Grajeda will move on to play at the NAIA collegiate level at University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Jennifer Garcia is a 5'10" middle blocker from Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She came to LCC from Del Norte High School and has been playing volleyball since her sophomore year of high school. Garcia helped the Runnin' Lopes to a 17-20 finish this past season with 152 kills and 47 blocks. Over the past two seasons as a Lope, Garcia has accumulated 278 kills, 129 blocks, and 647 digs.  She intends to major in pre-med/biology.

Karina Grajeda is a 5'10" outside hitter, also from Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She has been playing volleyball since middle school and came to LCC after graduating from Valley High School. Grajeda has built up an impressive record during her sophomore season with 233 kills with 27 blocks and 421 digs. During her LCC career, Grajeda has accumulated 535 kills, 67 blocks, and 903 digs.  While playing for the Mustangs she intends to study criminal justice and psychology.

Garcia and Grajeda have built a history on the court and developed a good working partnership.  They two have been playing volleyball together for 6 years.  They played together for the Albuquerque Rebels Volleyball Club (ARVC) as sophomores in high school.  They continued to play together than chose to continue that when they signed to Lamar Community College two years ago.  They've also remained roommates throughout their time at LCC.

"Lamar Community College has motivated us to continue our passion for volleyball and play in an area that has more opportunities for us as well as furthering our education," the two players commented.