September 30, the NC girls’ volleyball team (29-10) played the Harrison Hoyas (26-9) in a tight race to the top of the charts. Bolstered by team spirit and an incredible celebration for the seniors, the Warriors crushed their opponents following five nail-biting sets. The 3-2 game complemented the senior night by showcasing the players’ record-breaking skill and resilience, the same grit that pushes each toward successful futures.
The night started off with a bang as seniors defensive specialist Tumi Adeyinka (11), outside hitter Mia Goldbach (4), libero Hannah Nicholson (9), middle hitter Isabela Lane (13), defensive specialist Jenesys Moctezuma (26) and right side Novel Howell (29) each meandered their way through an arch of balloons and aisle of teammates. Each player stood beside their family, friends and favorite teachers who cheered them on. Each young woman walked toward the cameras, and they held flowers as the announcer spoke about their accomplishments, future plans and favorite memories, each in turn.
“My experience with senior night was so amazing. I felt so loved and appreciated, and it made me more reflective of the past and showed me what amazing people I had been surrounded by to make me the person I am today. There were a lot of emotions that went into it, but the biggest one that I am feeling is gratitude. I’m so beyond grateful for the people I’m surrounded by and everyone who supports me. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be me without these people, and I will always remember every single one of them,” Goldbach said.
As the honors came to an end, the game began with an action-packed first set. With the advantage of serving first, Harrison earned the first five points of the game, but the early down only motivated the Warriors to fight ruthlessly. With standout saves from Nicholson and Moctezuma, the Warriors won their first two points of the game. A spike from junior right side Keagan Ruffus (18) sent the Warriors firmly back in the running with a set score of 6-10. The set ultimately resulted in a win for Harrison, but NC battled with all its heart. Moctezuma consistently managed difficult hits, and trios such as Adeyinka, junior setter Ashley Hendershot (1) and junior outside hitter Madison Carter (14), as well as Nicholson, junior setter Avery Williams (17) and Ruffus scored point after point. Though the Warriors lost the first set, their vivacity carried them through the next four to victory.
The second set promised new hope as the home team opened with the first serve. Between impressive digs from Nicholson and a successful point from junior right side Anna White’s (6) hand, the two teams started the set with a tie. The Warriors’ teamwork ultimately pushed them ahead of their opponents, with Ruffus hitting strongly and Williams, Goldbach and Nicholson forming an alliance to push the team two points ahead of the Hoyas. As Goldbach unleashed her powerful spikes, NC demolished Harrison in a 25-17 set.
With both teams now understanding their opponents’ skill, they geared up for the intense third and fourth sets. Between NC’s impressive defensive lineup and the strong offense demonstrated by White and Goldbach, the set scores ultimately rested at 2-2, pushing the game into its fifth and final set.
The fifth set marked the beginning of Harrison’s exhaustion as they struggled to defend against the Warriors’ power. Though the teams spent plenty of rallies passing the ball over the net and back, the Warriors stayed in control for the set’s majority. Ruffus and Carter stood out for their teamwork and energetic leaps, and Carter ultimately scored the point, which placed the Warriors in an undeniable lead. The set ended with a 15-10 score, and NC’s supporters erupted in cheers.
“Even though it was a tough-fought win, I knew I was going through it with the people I love the most. I knew that whether we won or lost, I was surrounded by people who cared about me and supported me. When we win, we win together, and [when] we lose, we lose together. We are a family. Overall, I feel amazing about last night,” Goldbach said.
Without a doubt, the game will live on in its players’ memories. The impressive win marks their skill and hardworking attitudes, and it sets up the Warriors for another year of championship-winning success. Beyond that reassurance, the win speaks volumes to the seniors’ abilities to overcome obstacles, a skill that helped each to reach the celebratory night. Ultimately, the game reminds each student of the loved ones who support their shining futures.
