On Oct. 23, senior varsity volleyball players were met by families and students who gathered at 6:30 pm to say goodbye and congratulate the soon-to-be graduating seniors before they played their final game against Merced High School.
Following the frosh and JV games at home, the team held a ceremony before their match began as seniors gave heartfelt speeches to their loved ones and supporters watching. They were able to celebrate and look back on previous years of playing their sport.
Speeches, gifts and congratulations were given as teammates made their final tunnel for varsity to run through to begin the game officially. With each speech the players gave, they created an emotional atmosphere as their underclassmen teammates also felt sad as they said goodbye to their friends on the court.
Varsity player and junior Katelynn Oliveira said, “It felt sweet but at the same time sad to know that they were leaving.”
Many supporters, families and friends of the senior players brought decorated posters, cut outs of players and more decorations to show their support of the players. The senior night attracted many people, with the gym bleachers filling up even before the JV game began.
Some seniors explained that the ceremony was sentimental and made them more sad than nervous to play their final home game. Knowing that it would be their last game playing with underclassmen on varsity, J.V. and frosh, made them realize that it’s the last time they would play volleyball all together.
Varsity player and senior Ciara Salazar said, “I was more sad than scared because it was our last game. I will miss playing with all of them and I was sad because I won’t be playing with those girls anymore.”
The night ended in a loss to Merced with a score of 3-2. Even though they lost, the team remained positive as they were proud to make it into the playoffs and to have created lasting memories together throughout the season.
