*This article has been corrected since published.
On October 20, 2011, WJ Girls Volleyball defeated the Wootton Patriots 26-24, 25-19, and 25-11. This was a crucial and significant victory for the Lady Cats as it was their Senior Night, the last home game of the season.
Going in to the game, emotions ran wild.
“I felt confident we were going to win, [but I felt] sad because it would be the last time we would do so as this team,” said Coach Bill Morris. “Every time somebody leaves the team, I lose a part of myself.”
Amelia Moura, senior outside hitter, shared similar views.
“This team has so much potential, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it,” said Moura. “I love [them] all and I will come back to visit.”
The game started with star seniors Julia and Amanda Shekarchi (captain), Amelia Moura, Mary Macedonia and juniors Sierra Jan and Stephanie Paul. Amanda Shekarchi took the first serve, and from then on the Wildcats played with determination and dedication to win in all three sets.
However, not everybody on the team was in as much awe with their performance as members of the audience might have been.
“I feel like the team needs to be more aggressive in order for us to be at our best,” said Moura about their performance.
Coach Morris also sees room for improvement.
“We need to solidify our defense, that’s where the team takes the most hits,” said Coach Morris.
Without the seniors on the team next year, the Lady Cats will be forced to form relationships once again with the new sophomores and juniors that come onto the team.
“We’re [going to] need time to adjust [with the new players] since we’ve all grown so close over the past years,” said Sierra Jan, Middle Blocker of the team. “The only reason we won so many games is because we bonded so well as a team.”
The departing seniors would also like to pass on some wisdom to the future members of the team.
“Commit to the team, keep loving the sport and never give up,” said Moura.
