On Halloween night, an emotional event occurred. Penns Valley Lady Rams Volleyball took on Phillipsburg Osceola in the District 6 AA quarter-finals which can be watched here. Since the beginning of the season, there were strong hopes of making it to semis, the farthest the program has ever gotten. The Rams were ready to make history, hoping to advance to the finals and states. As the bracket came out, all hope was dwindled. The Rams had not only faced the unluckiness of being on the same side as Phillipsburg but faced them in just the second round. This would be the third time playing this undefeated and number one-seeded team in the state. This night not only ended their season but a chapter for many seniors. This would be the last time for 11 players, almost all of varsity, to step on the volleyball court.
Even though they knew the odds were against them, the girls held up a fight. The first set held many nerves and emotions as all seniors realized all the lasts they were experiencing. The first set only scored 25-9, but the girls slowly crept up as the night went on. The final sets had scores of 25-12 and then 25-20 to end the night. When the last ball dropped, tears immediately filled many eyes. A senior starter, Kendall Guisewhite, shares, “As I was high-fiving the opponents for the last time, I realized it was the end. This would be the last time I play the sport I love with my absolute best friends by my side.” Every senior’s stomach dropped as the realization hit. Tears came not only from the seniors themselves but from the underclassmen they had such an impact on. Sophomore Callie Riddle shares, “I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Every senior had taken me under their wing and made me feel so special. It was especially emotional knowing this was the last season I had with my sister Gracie and my built-in sister Kendall.” The season-ending was emotional all around for players and families.
Every senior will be missed greatly, as they hold a larger impact than they realize. Even though the season ended not as hoped and earlier than expected, it was an overall successful and fun season filled with many memories.
