NORMAL — When Providence’s Lily Lipke looked up in the stands this weekend and saw her mother, Christine , celebrating after points at CEFCU Arena, it meant a lot to her.

Lipke, a sophomore, is a 6-foot middle hitter. Thirty years ago, Christine was on that same floor for the Celtics playing in the middle at state and also wearing No. 4, just like her daughter.

“She’s such an inspiration to me and she’s just amazing,” Lily said of her mother, whose maiden name is Curtin. “Volleyball is such an amazing sport because she was able to do it and I was able to do it. To see us both being middles — we’re so similar.

“She’s my biggest cheerleader along with my family and friends. It’s a great support system.”

Lipke and Providence gave the fans something to cheer about Saturday night, closi

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