SERVE OF DETERMINATION | Realizing it was their last game playing together, volleyball seniors hug and cant help

but shed some tears My best friends are on the team and that made having our final game that much harder, Sarah Birchfield (12, #2) said.

A large number of seniors means the team is experienced but it also leaves few underclassmen to take their place. The challenge? Bring the younger players into the fold.

numbered
Teammates embraced each other with tear-filled eyes as they heard their names called on Oct. 2: Senior Night against Eastern. This night was particularly unique in its unprecedented number of celebrated and recognized seniors. Though the mood had shifted and the team had grown closer, the concept of having nine seniors
1 3

Concept & Words by Kelsi White | Photos by Lisa Pham | Design by Emma Percival

The number of seniors was overwhelming at first, but eventually Mackenzie, Janie [Peterson (11, #8)], and I got used to it, Mason said. Of course at some points there were things that the three of us couldnt understand because it was a senior thing. But the seniors werent oblivious to the problem, making an effort to include the younger players and provide effective leadership, leaving a lasting effect on the team. Everyone expects the team to take a huge hit when our class is gone. We just hope that we pushed them hard enough that theyll be able to maintain a winning record next year when they have our shoes to fill, Taylor Greene (12, #19) said. Mason was appreciative of the moral support and leadership the seniors demonstrated over the course of the season, especially as they fought every minute of that tough final home game against Eastern. I know that this will help me so much in the future, not just with volleyball, but also with how I go about things in life, she said. The night ended in a 2-0 win. The seniors left with their heads held highknowing that they were leaving behind a winning legacy.

with only three underclassmen was frightening. Playing with all the seniorsespecially Maya [McClendon] and Gabriele [Greenwald]was really intimidating at first, Mackenzie Ferriell (10, #32) said. I was scared to play against, and with, the older girls. Theyre all so good. So building up the confidence to play with them was definitely something I had to overcome. After a quick, incomprehensible cheer, the seniors filled the positions on the court. The connection they had already formed over the past three years was evident as they confidently prepared for the starting whistle. The girls exchanged quick glances and knowing smiles. Though the confidence was comforting, sophomore Aurryella Mason (10, #7) was worried that nine spots were already filled by experienced seniors when a typical volleyball team consists of only ten girls.

2 1 CHANTING ENCOURAGEMENT | Covering her face, Brooke Harness (12, #28) hides as the student section cheers her name. I felt embarrassed, but it was nice because Ive never had that before, Harness said. 2 PUMP UP THE TEAM | Greeting Maya McClendon (12, #3), Jasmyn Hamilton (12, #13) high-fives her teammates as they pass her one by one. I had the mindset of, This is the last game of high school, the last game you will play with your friends, McClendon said. 3 ROSES FOR THE SENIOR | Waiting for the seniors, Aurryella Mason (10, #7), Janie Peterson (11, #4), and Mackenzie Ferriell (10, #32) prepare to give the roses. The seniors helped me realize that I need to cherish all of the moments that I have left in my high school volleyball career, Mason said.

middle blocker

Volleyball has a wide variety of positions that require particular sets of skills. The setter is the person who

setter

position-wise

shh! its a secret

The girls formed a tight huddle before taking the court, a jumble of incoherent words ringing throughout the gym. They then took the court as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. And for them it wasntit was tradition. The varsity team had been performing this cheer for as long as they remember. This secret cheer was a rite of passage; the girls were forbidden to learn it until they reached the varsity level. I was kind of confused when I first learned it,

takes the second ball. The passer passes it over to the setter who sets it to the hitter who hits it over. They have control over who gets to hit the ball and run all of the plays. Alexa Just (12, #1)

Gabriele Greenwald (12, #25) said. But then I thought it was really cool that we had our own secret cheer that we couldnt tell anyone else. Not only did they keep the cheer private from the JV and freshman teams, the girls also managed to keep it hidden from parents and even their own coach. We say it so fast that you wouldnt be able to understand what we were saying if you werent in the huddle with us, Greenwald said.

libero
As middle blocker you have to block all three positions. I have to run out and block far to the left and right positions as well as watch my own middle. Kristin Lauterbach (12, #24)

I love my position because I love the defensive side of volleyball. I have to stay alert and quick, and theres a sense of big responsibility because if I dont get the pass, our team cant make a good play. A funny story...uh...I am often asked why I wear a different colored jersey, and I like throwing around different scenarios to confuse people....One time I wore my spandex backwards for an entire match. That was embarrassing. Sarah Birchfield (12, #2)

On and Off the Court

On our St. Louis trip, we went on an adventure to a local CVS and bought seven rolls of masking tape and taped our coachs hotel room door completely shut. Brooke Harness (12, #28). Ive had to deal with back problems since sixth grade, and Ive been on and off the volleyball court since. I play my hardest every game knowing it could be my last. Emily Porta (9, #11). My favorite moment this season was probably at the JV tournament when we played Assumption. They ended up beating us 21-19, but everyone was so pumped up and we had a great game. I was really proud of us for making the number one team in Kentucky sweat. Natalie Culver (9, #32).

To read more about the Ferriell twins, see pages18-19

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