Tuesday, April 28, the NC Warriors’ boys’ varsity volleyball orange team (8-17) faced the Creekside High School Seminoles (15-3) in one last home game. Sweeping the game in two sets, NC fought fiercely for every point and defeated the number one school in the state — a team they lost to earlier this season. The matchup filled the Arena with enthusiasm from the audience who supported the team throughout the season.
“I was really happy with how everyone performed on senior night. We were able to come together to beat the current number-one-ranked team and the defending state champs. It really shows our level of growth and progress this season,” magnet senior outside hitter Collin Thompson (1) said.
The first set started with impressive saves from sophomore libero Malachi Chung (18) and spectacular kills from senior middle hitter Kaleb Frick (11) and Thompson. The Seminoles’ defense stood no match against NC’s imposing offense, with senior setter Liam Kimani (15) running strategic plays. After yet another formidable block from Frick, Creekside tipped the ball — and later dumped — into the campfire zone to avoid Frick’s fire to secure several points. Eventually, however, the Seminoles grew tired and failed to pass multiple deep court hits, ending the set at a score of 25-18 in NC’s favor.
The second set opened with adrenaline still fueling the Warriors’ charge. The score remained tight as the Seminoles brought forth new motivation and understood that the number one team had finally met their match. Senior right side Keith Kamau (8) and Frick acted as an unstoppable duo who roofed attacks and ripped through blocks. Although Creekside presented scrappy plays from deflected balls, the free balls they sent over failed to compare to Chung and Thompson, who maintained several over passes. After a timeout at the 17-16 point, a yellow card and a substitution occurred, which further intensified the match. The Warriors’ 21st point proved especially impressive with a rally that stretched over a minute long. This rally only further tired the Seminoles out and caused them to grow desperate, with their offense hitting the ball aggressively instead of strategically. After the Seminoles hit several balls out in an already close game, the score ended with the Warriors victorious: 25-22.
After defeating Creekside, the night paused to commemorate the six seniors. While parading down the Arena with friends and family by their side, head Coach Stephen Sansing announced the graduates’ future college plans and Frick, who will continue to play volleyball at the next level. The team shared their favorite memories and the length of their volleyball careers, with several players finding a knack for the sport well into high school. Instead of the usual emotional ending senior nights cause, the ceremony ended with loud laughter and beaming smiles from the team members and their supporters. After the celebration, the Warriors played the defending state champion Tucker High School Tigers (4-4) and won another nail-biting match 2-1 after playing three sets.
“Senior night was great, as both the teams we played and beat were in the top eight in the state. I enjoyed all the gifts and the fun we had that night. It was a great experience, and I felt so much love from my peers, coaches, and family,” Kimani said.
Without a doubt, the lessons and the legacy of beating the number one team on senior night will surely live on. As the season will soon come to a close, the Warriors prepare to hopefully bring home the hardware at the State Championship Tournament May 9.
The Chant wishes the class of 2026 men’s volleyball players luck in their future endeavors.
