Tuesday, September 17, the NC Lady Warriors varsity volleyball team (23-10) faced the Wheeler High School Wildcats (8-17) in NC’s Arena. After defeating the Wildcats 3-0 during the 23-24 season, the Warriors hoped to reestablish their victory in last night’s game. The region match, which constituted NC’s senior night, proved an outstanding success for the girls as they duplicated the 2023 defeat, winning 3-0.
“[Being a senior] feels great. Honestly, I was really emotional because this team means so much to me. Finally having this special night makes it all worth it. I feel good about the outcome. Although I know the team could have played better, I’m glad we won another region game,” Outside Hitter and Defensive Specialist Sarah Boyle (7) said.
Prior to the game, the team held a special ceremony for the six seniors: Sarah, Defensive Specialist Kimura Dotson (2), Defensive Specialist Saniyah Blake (3), Outside Hitter Chloe Reynolds (8), Middle Hitter Carys Sanabria (10) and Setter Olivia Boyle (15). Before the recognition of these girls, head coach Stephen Sansing acknowledged the seniors on Wheeler’s team. When the celebration came for the NC seniors, each girl walked through a blue and orange balloon arch onto the court, where their underclassmen teammates lined the walkway, ready with a bouquet of flowers to present to the acknowledged seniors. Each girl stood accompanied by their family and a teacher or faculty member of their choice. The chosen staff member displayed one of close friendship or mentorship since each player chose a role model who represented a strong impact on the girls’ high school careers. Whether the faculty chosen came from an English, Mathematics or Physical Education class, the moment served as a sweet way for each girl to honor a positive NC influence in their lives.
Transitioning from the celebration, America’s National Anthem, a routine playing, rang through the stands as the announcers recognized both teams’ rosters. To redeem their loss to Walton High School in the previous game September 12, the Warriors needed to secure a win and continue their dominating record.
The first set began with Sanabria scoring a point with a kill. For a majority of these rallies, the Warriors displayed excellent defense through blocks, with an even stronger offense through relentless kills. NC gained the point for this set with the score ending 25-17.
Immediately following into set two, Sarah mirrored her teammate, scoring the first point through a kill. Reynolds and junior Middle Hitter Isabela Lane (13) depicted fabulous teamwork through their consistent blocks. Though the Wildcats called a time-out once the score reached 9-3, in the Warrior’s favor, the team meeting did not help. The Wildcats faced unabating spikes — even when Wheeler returned the hits, they showed no match for the kills of Olivia and Reynolds.
As the Warriors began the third set with a 2-0 score, Sanabria repeated her first set feat by scoring the first point. Constant kills from Sarah and the powerful cooperation between the Boyle twin duo created an unstoppable Warrior force. This rally, too, ended with a Warrior win, the ultimate score resulting in 25-13 for the Warriors.
After the win, the Lady Warriors aim to continue the game as they play Pace Academy September 19. The Chant congratulates these senior ladies for their hard work this year and wishes them luck for the rest of the season and all post-high school endeavors.
“It’s so crazy to think it’s already my time [as a senior]. I watched all my best friends have their senior nights and go off to college but time has gone by so fast it doesn’t feel right. Senior night was everything I had hoped for and I’m so appreciative of everyone who showed up and I felt so loved,” Olivia said.
